BGS Chronicle 2022

From the Headmaster

It is wonderful to be reflecting on a year in which a sense of normality has returned to school life after the disruption of the pandemic. Online learning, Year‑group bubbles and, eventually, even masks have been put behind us while trips, performances and events have returned to the school calendar.

For my first time as BGS Headmaster we were able to hold our annual Charter Day service at the Cathedral, having been thwarted in 2019 by a protest on College Green and then by two years of Covid. It was brilliant to be able to celebrate our School’s long history in such a beautiful venue and to welcome governors, Old Bristolians and former staff to join us.

I am also delighted that pupils have again been able to enjoy taking part in the full range of activities that so greatly enrich school life and learning. From music, dance and drama performances – complete at last with a live audience – to fieldwork and fixtures, it has been brilliant to see these opportunities being embraced so wholeheartedly throughout the School. It has also been a pleasure to be able to welcome parents, guardians and the wider BGS community back to our theatre, the Great Hall and on to Failand’s touchlines to share in these events with us.

While the year has seen us coming together to celebrate all these things, we have also been united in sadness. The deaths of two of our pupils in January were profoundly felt throughout our community and our thoughts remain with George and Annabelle’s families.

I am proud of the way the whole School has sought to support those affected by these tragedies, and of the kindness we have shown each other as we deal with these difficult and sad events; I know their effects will continue to be felt for many years to come.

As we look ahead, we hope that Covid is behind us and the return to ‘normality’ will continue, but we do not know what the future may bring. What I do know is that, whatever lies ahead, we have the determination and resilience to face it. These last few years have brought many challenges, for both students and staff, and I am proud of how we have risen to them, and how we have supported each other when circumstances have tried us. That these trials have made a lasting impact on some is something I am very aware of, and we take our responsibility for the wellbeing of our pupils and staff as seriously as ever.

Of course, not all change, even when enforced by circumstance, is necessarily bad. From greater and more effective use of digital learning technology and resources, to hybrid Progress Overview Meetings allowing parents and guardians to speak to staff from the comfort of their own homes, we continue to look for ways to build back better, and to make sure we embrace the positives that the pandemic forced upon us.

There are also changes we are choosing to make, to ensure that BGS remains a school we can all be proud of. This year we have restated and reaffirmed our mission to be a school for Bristol. We are committed to widening access so that our pupil body is representative of our city, and have launched the 500 Campaign to raise the funds to allow us to do this. Our Giving Day in April raised over £190,000 – thank you to all who supported this. The generosity of our donors has helped the campaign raise over £1,000,000 already. Of course, this not so much a change for BGS as a return to our past; in the 1970s one in four of our pupils attended with the help of a bursary and we hope the 500 Campaign will allow us to achieve this once again.

We are also committed to being a school where everyone feels welcome and represented. From the Infants upwards, work continues to diversify our curriculum. Every time we broaden the knowledge base of our curriculum, we broaden pupils’ horizons and we challenge stereotypes. We passionately believe that the gallery of actors, rulers, authors, dancers, scientists, politicians, artists, professors and ordinary people that children encounter at BGS should consist of a diverse array of people. And of course so should the staff they encounter in their School. We are working to ensure diversity in our own recruitment and with other schools through groups such as Bristol City Council’s Race & Equality in Education Committee and the HMC’s Inclusion Group, to share best practice in relation to equality, diversity and inclusion.

I am proud of the clear vision BGS has for its future, of the support our entire community has shown for that vision, and of the enthusiasm and dedication with which our staff and pupils are working towards delivering it. After a challenging few years, it is wonderful to be looking ahead with real clarity and optimism, while being able once again to reflect on a really positive year for our whole community, led by our brilliant pupils and staff.

Jaideep Barot

INFANTS AND JUNIORS

We returned to school in September, delighted to be welcoming so many new faces in Reception, Year 3, and Year 5. With, hopefully, a more ‘normal’ school year ahead, there was a real sense of excitement about what the year would bring.

One new initiative was the introduction of more leadership responsibilities for the children and I am super proud of how well they engaged with these opportunities. Year 6 have again acted as buddies for Year 3 pupils, and also embraced the responsibility of serving as Prefects, helping out around the school, organising pupils, keeping areas tidy and helping younger pupils with friendships. In the Infants, our Year 2 Play Leaders have been brilliant working with our youngest children in the Reception playground and, at the other end of the school, we were delighted to welcome our I&J interns – Issy and Alex – who showed pupils what they can go on to achieve.

With so much going on in school, we tweaked the school week, moving Monday assembly to Friday so that we could all celebrate the week’s achievements together at the end of the week. And there has been plenty to celebrate…

The generosity of the BGS community has been very evident, from Harvest Festival food collections, to Christmas presents donated for those who might otherwise receive none. ‘Fairy cake Friday’ cake sales have also been very well supported, raising funds for a wide range of charities, and of course we’ve also taken part in Children in Need and Red Nose Day too.

After a small glitch (due to Covid, what else?), residential trips started again. Years 4 and 5 enjoyed a brilliant trip to PGL Liddington where they took part in abseiling, raft building and team-building – I hope the children are all very proud of what they achieved. I was especially pleased that Year 6 were able to enjoy a final residential trip, camping at Mendip, to mark the end of their Junior School careers. I wish them all the best as they embark on their secondary education. Take all opportunities on offer and reach for the stars!

We’ve also enjoyed a full itinerary of fixtures, sports days and performances, all enthusiastically embraced by the children. Whether the Infant Nativity or Oliver, MADD evening or a Teatime concert, I hope if you attended one of the many events, you enjoyed it as much as I, and the children taking part, did.

While we were sad to say goodbye to long-serving staff members Emma Nattress, Jo Shurety and Lucy Lloyd-Smith during the year, I am pleased to report that all are enjoying their new jobs and are keeping in touch with their former colleagues.

Thank you to the pupils for making it such a fun year, to all our parents for your support, and to the staff team for their continued dedication – you’ve certainly gone ‘above and beyond’ for everyone in 2021–22.

Wishing you all another enjoyable and action-packed year!

Heidi Hughes HEAD, BGS INFANTS AND JUNIORS

School News and Events

Harvest Festival

This year our Harvest Festival was a special occasion as we were able to welcome back parents and guardians to the Great Hall to join the service. We gave thanks, not only for having plentiful food, but for having shelter, family support and – more important than ever – our health. We supported the Bristol North West Foodbank, who support local people and families in crisis through their foodbanks and other services including advice, training opportunities and social groups to help prevent social isolation. We were delighted that representatives from the foodbank joined us to speak to the children and to receive the amazing 302.5kg of food and essentials that our families  generously donated.

Children in Need

This year, for Children in Need, our Charity Representatives wanted to give something tangible to a local charity. They chose to support Bristol Children’s Charity, who were asking for donations of a new and unwrapped gift that can be given to children and young adults, from 0–18 years. Our children rose to the occasion as an enormous collection of lovely gifts was donated, including cuddly toys, board games and stationery.

Christmas Street Life Collection

A huge thank you to all the families who contributed to our Christmas collection for Street Life. Miss Penny and Mrs Buckman were able to join Richard from Street Life in handing out the donations on Christmas Day. Congratulations also to Zac who added to the School’s Street Life donations – he created a flyer explaining about Street Life and what type of donations were needed and then went door to door around his neighbours (at least 25 houses) and chatted to them. He then returned three days later to collect the donations.

The Infants and Juniors was awash with red noses and t-shirts to  mark Red Nose Day. The children raised £971 by taking part in a variety of sporting activities, many incorporating a red nosed-theme.

BGS Friends I&J has had a fantastic and fun-packed year which has been welcomed by parents and pupils alike. It is great to have parents back in school helping to organise and run our events.

In November we held four highly charged school discos and sold a record number of tickets. It was great to bring back a reliable favourite and the children certainly enjoyed dancing and laughing with their friends. In June we finally hosted Happy’s Circus at our picturesque Failand sports grounds. The summer fair is always our busiest event and due to the fact we have been unable to run it since 2019, we decided to add some of the usual ‘May Fair’ fun to make it a bumper event. Parents ran traditional stalls; tombola, coconut shy, hook a duck, and rose to the challenge. We had two fantastic hours of fair fun, picnicking and Pimms before the circus had even begun. It really was brilliant to see our community together again. Year 5 parents also went above and beyond to organise a raffle in aid of the DEC Ukraine Appeal. Offering some amazing prizes from local and parent-run businesses and raising over £1,200!

This year BGS Friends I&J funds have been used to provide raised beds for the Gardening Club, additional resources for the art room, a new high-quality gazebo and the Sea Legs Puppet Show. Parents have also worked hard to offer Christmas cards and tea towels displaying children’s artwork, raising money for I&J.

A huge thank you to all those who have contributed throughout the year, particularly to the Committee including Linda Barnes and Claire Sibley (Co-Chairs), Janette Durrance (Secretary) and to Davy McGimpsey (Treasurer). Finally, we must say a huge thank you to Miss Hughes who has been present at every BGS Friends meeting and whose support of BGS Friends I&J has been very much appreciated.

Christmas Bazaar

Although BGS Friends I&J could not be on hand to help out at the Christmas Bazaar in December, the children still got to run their stalls and a fabulous time was had by all. From racing games and ping-pong jars to pelt the snowman and festive spelling tests, the creativity of the teams was brilliant. The event raised over £650.

WORLD BOOK DAY

The children love World Book Day and once again, we saw a fantastic variety of literary characters represented in School celebrating folk and fairy tales from around the world. It was lovely to see our Junior children reading with the Infants and there was also our first world Book Day Potato Competition, where there were some amazing and amusing entries…

Chess Challenge

In May, we were very pleased to host the Bristol Megafinal of the UK Chess Challenge in the Great Hall and to make a full return to in-person Chess tournaments. The event attracted over 200 children and contained a large BGS contingent, including 25 pupils from the Junior School. For several children, this was their first tournament, and it provided a very enjoyable introduction to competitive Chess.

A good number of children achieved qualification to the next round of the UK Chess Challenge, the Gigafinal, which took place over the summer: Alex Aning, Leo Bann, Alice Liu (all Year 5); Adam Mussa and Anay Misra (Year 4); and Cerisse Lepora (Year 3). Alice Liu also won a medal for third place in the U10 girls’ category, and Cerisse Lepora and Elizabeth Sulzmann were awarded medals for coming joint third in the U8 girls’ category. Well done to all those who competed.

General Knowledge Quiz

Sebastiano Narduzzo, Olivia Pegden, Joshie Broddle and Tom Barot took part in a national General Knowledge Quiz Semi-Final. The whole event was conducted online with two of our team dialling in from home (just to add to the complexity of the event!). They were placed 24th amongst very strong competition. Well done to you all.

Latin Reading Competition

BGS’s annual Classics Reading Competition, normally held for Senior School pupils, had for the first time, a Junior School category ‘Minimus’ whereby pupils in Years 5 and 6 who attend our Latin Maximus lunchtime club were able to take part. After a challenging semi-final with a very high standard, four Year 5 pupils went through to the final. Barbara Bell, author of the Minimus course which the Maximus club uses for their Latin learning, was our esteemed judge. She was extremely impressed with the brilliant readings from all the finalists, and gave the first prize, a Roman Mysteries book, to Bella Kempt. Barbara praised all four finalists – Bella Kempt, Ivy King, Farris Shandiz, and Olive Jenkins – very highly for their outstanding Latin readings.

Maths Challenges

It has been a busy year for our budding mathematicians. In the Autumn term BGS entered two pairs at the Year 6 Inter-School Maths Challenge held at Redmaid’s High School. Lucas Vanstone and Zhenzhen Li came second, and Joel Wadey and Otto Ketterer finished twelfth, out of the 31 pairs.

In November, many children in Years 5 and 6 took part in the Primary Maths Challenge. This National Competition run by the Mathematical Association aims to stretch and challenge the able pupils towards the top of Primary Schools. Our pupils took the challenge on iPads for the first time and achieved 4 Gold, 13 Silver and 17 bronze certificates.

Then in January, BGS hosted a Maths Challenge for 34 pairs of pupils from 16 local schools. It was held in the MacKinnon Theatre where ten of our Year 5 pupils took part in the challenging, fun-filled afternoon. There were six different challenges to try to solve and team BGS performed well, with two pairs coming joint fifth. Congratulations to Joshie Broddle, Ayo Garrick, Beatrice Bending, Sophie Barnes, Reuben Stephenson, Alice Liu, Ed Owen, Hektor Hember, Bee Reveler and Josh Hatfield.

Red, white and blue was the order of the day for our Jubilee Celebrations. All the Infants and Juniors embraced celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee by dressing up in patriotic colourful outfits and were treated to a fun day of activities, tea parties and games.

Li f e S k i ll s week

Year 3, 4 and 5 ended the term with Life Skills week, learning a wide range of skills which included how to tie their shoe laces, how to make the perfect cup of tea and how to sort their laundry (using laundry symbols). Visitors came to the school to teach about financial first aid, scooter safety, the rainforest, music and introducing us to some of the objects that visually impaired people use in their everyday lives. Our own talented staff led sessions on first aid, sign language, designing and making key rings, tying knots, drama, water safety, taking photographs, shopping in euros, mindfulness, healthy lifestyles and wrapping presents. The week was full of events spanning the whole curriculum including Computing, Science, PE, Swimming and Food Technology. The pupils had a fabulous week creating a happy and purposeful buzz around school.

Canvas Competition

The popular annual Canvas Competition never fails to deliver a fantastic array of creativity. The 1532 Performing Arts Centre foyer provided the perfect setting for families to come and view this year’s eclectic and colourful collection of masterpieces. Pupils from Years 7, 8 and 9 were also invited to take part which meant that the exhibition was bigger than ever. This year, the judges awarded prizes for originality, composition, endeavour and technical skill.

THE WINNERS

Reception: Gwen Hawthorne, Louis Family, Sophia Nasser and Rian Pal

Year 1: Etty Noble, Alexander Zazas, Alexander Antico and Tilda Jones

Year 2: Tom Bax, Susie Liu, Cora Barnes and Bea Atherton

Overall Infants Winner: Lily Campbell

Year 3: Diddy Yates, Freddie Orton, Charlie Hadfield and Cerisse Lepora

Year 4: Henry Rogers, Laura Briones-Williams, Charlie Barnes and Lucas Kelly

Year 5: Harry Chesham, Beatrice Bending, Lyla Beevers and Isabella Narduzzo

Year 6: Benedict Wescott, Elise Lai, Eve Lovatt and Isla Watts

Overall Junior Winner: Otto Ketterer

= YEAR 6 LEAVERS’ PRIZE GIVING POEM =

This is the tale of our busy school year

Please sit back and relax, be ready to cheer! We began with Covid, but we did not despair We just kept our distance and tried not to share

We returned to our learning, eager to please Teachers were ready to share expertise Lessons began, we all listened and shouted “A great deal to practise and all of it counted!”

Year 6 is special, the pupils all grew With kindness and rigour, integrity too Ask pupils to comment “We do love to learn”

“Be ready, Year 5” it will soon be your turn

Each year we all read, maybe 12 books or more These let us imagine and help us explore. The words we discover, we write and create Their power is simple, and can be used to debate

We’ve discovered whole worlds, when we’ve looked back in time

From the gods to the pharaohs, legacy and crime!

This world can be shaped, by our actions we know Recycle! Reduce!, so global warming may slow

From English to French, we all can translate, Spanish or Russian, the choices are great. Who has a way with words, from our very own Year 6 And can address our concerns, lots of names in the mix.

From maths to computing, in chess and in science

We’ve crunched lots of numbers, and asked for some guidance

From the first pawn to move, to the final checkmate, The challenges push us, the learning is great!

Decide on predictions, your tests must be fair, We’ve coded, we’ve touch typed, it’s now time to share, So, who is known to have class, from our very own Year 6 And was up to the task? Lots of names in the mix.

The arts are important, that is for sure

Mrs Palmer ensures we all paint and draw, Maybe a portrait or striking landscape, We sew and stitch, we print and we shape.

Our canvas creations are so hard to judge, But in DT our aim is not to misjudge. From bridges to shelters, plus models that move, Cut slowly, and measure, take care with the glue.

In music, don’t stop us, we do love to sing Recorders, and strings, composing can bring A night at Young Voices, or with harmony choir Whatever the challenge, we try to aim higher

A great deal of talent, from acting to mime Oliver, Snow White, a dance show, it’s time, So many to choose from, our current Year 6 Who loves to create? Lots of names in the mix.

This brings us to sport, the games that we play, From rugby to football, and cricket you say! Swimming and hockey, it gives us a thrill

There’s shooting in netball, now that is a skill

Give us a ball, or a javelin to throw

We love our athletics and can put on a show Sports day is the chance to perform for the team, The excitement of winning, allows us to beam.

But other sports feature, in clubs and PE

Fencing and tennis, endeavour is key We win some, we lose some in our sporty Year 6 It was so hard to choose, so many names in the mix

The school year is over, it's soon time to rest, But let’s not forget those who worked with such zest, The teachers, the cooks, to name but a few The cleaners, the office, thank you to YOU!

Our final awards, include gifts from OBs

For manners, and kindness, for wanting to please They smile, and help others, that is for sure, No one could ask for very much more.

When they all show respect in our current Year 6

It is hard to select, so many names in the mix

Please sit back and relax, be ready to cheer For this is the tale of our busy school year.

BGS Juniors Prizewinners

Year 6 Medals

Endeavour and excellence in Art

Elise Lai, Joshua Hawkes, Conrad Hay, Elora Roychowdhury

Endeavour and excellence in Creative Arts

Nancy Routh Elmes

Endeavour and excellence in Computing

Myles Edwards, Bertie Hargreave, Aarav Shah

Endeavour and excellence in Design Technology

Alex Down, Oscar Barton, Sebastião Ernst

Year 6 Cups

Girls’ Hockey Player of the Year

Imogen Koupparis

Boys’ Hockey Player of the Year

Henry Vieten-Kay

Girls’ Most Improved

Hockey Player

Millie Bonnick

Boys’ Most Improved Hockey Player

Lucas Vanstone

Most improved

Rugby Player

Jackson Gilfillan

Most Improved

Footballer

Franklin Heffernan

Netball Player of the Year

Alice Barnes

Endeavour and excellence in English, Reading

Eleanor Wormell, Tommy Garner

Endeavour and excellence in English, Writing

Hanya Wang, Isla Watts, Otto Ketterer

Endeavour and excellence in Geography

Jeanne Wei, Zack James, Sienna Mabbs

Endeavour and excellence in History

Xiang Fang, Alexander Shepherd, Lucy Vanstone, Tom Barot, Jacob Potts

Endeavour and excellence in Maths

Nathan Briones-Williams, Cristal Nissim Santos

Endeavour and excellence in Modern Languages

Camilla Mistry

Endeavour and excellence in PE

Olivia Williams

Endeavour and excellence in Performing Arts

Erin Withers

Endeavour and excellence in PSHE

Saul Biggin

Endeavour and excellence in Science

Ella Hurran

Old Bristolians Award

Sophie Carthy

Zhenzhen Li

Olympia Mottershead

Zac Merrifield

Most Improved Netballer

Holly Foster

Most Improved Girls’ Cricketer

Willow Shipley

Most Improved Boys’ Cricketer

Toby Goodland

Victrix Ludorum

Lamorna Lawrance

Girls’ Singing Star

Iona Griffiths

Boys’ Singing Star

Ruben Armoogum

Maltby Music Cup

Zahra Craig

Girls’ Drama Cup

Connie Yeo

Boys’ Drama Cup

Rory Stark

Malpass Dance Cup

Olivia Gracie

Barnes Cup: Footballer of the Year

Freddie Barnes

Lockyer Cup: Rugby Player of the Year

Lucas Durrance

Girls’ Cricketer of the Year Cup

Chloe Tadman

Boys’ Cricketer of the Year Cup

Sebastian Davis

Best Swimmer’s Cup

Eve Lovatt

Fencing Cup

Arthur Griffiths

Sibley Cup for Sporting Endeavour

Ruth Grieve

JFC Cup for Sporting Endeavour

Jamie Richards

Milson Cup (Victor Ludorum)

Joel Wadey

Brown Cup for Sporting Achievement

Billy Bann

Maxwell Cup for Citizenship

Benedict Wescott

Huckle Cup for All-round Endeavour

Isobel Shepherd

Chess Player of the Year

Rayyan Mussa

Most Improved Chess Player of the Year

Maeve Chambers

Performing Arts

Everyone was delighted to see the return of our traditional Nativity. Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 rose to the occasion, delivering four fabulous performances of two days. They sang their hearts out and delivered their lines with confidence and flair. Their stage presence was impressive and they adapted to performing in the theatre space and using microphones with professional ease!

The Scottish Play

powerful themes and whilst there was plenty of murder it never descended into mayhem, for like consummate professionals they rose to every challenge. They revelled in the guts and gore, but also in the pure poetry of the Shakespearian language, and they did themselves proud. “Thanks to all at once, and to each one, whom we invited to see us" in our show.

This year, Shakespeare Club presented a play set in a world where the natural order of things was disrupted, where there was a dramatic sense of isolation, where people made plans based on prophecies about the future, and where the characters spent a disproportionate amount of time washing their hands – it all seemed very apposite! For our first performance since lockdowns began, we felt very fortunate to be able to stage Macbeth in the MacKinnon Theatre. The stunning sound and visual effects, the strikingly sparse set and the Scottish costumes all enhanced the haunting and evocative characterisations that the children created. The young cast tackled

Lights, camera,action

Following on from Performing Arts Day, one of the highlights of the year has always been MADD evening, where a selection of Juniors showcase their performance skills in music, arts, dance and drama. This year was particularly special, as after two years, the MacKinnon Theatre opened its doors again to invite parents and guardians to watch in person. There was high drama, dynamic dance and some fabulous music, courtesy of our talented performers.

Sian Scott-Wilson

Young

Music Maestro!

Anticipation filled the air as 130 very excited Junior children boarded the coach to sing in Young Voices, the largest Primary Schools Choir Concert in the world.

With over 4,000 children singing their hearts out at what is one of the most memorable evenings of their lives, The Resorts World Arena, Birmingham, provided the perfect setting for celebrating 25 years of singing together. BGS Juniors has attended this event for over ten years, and each year just gets better and better. It was wonderful to see so many parents and guardians who came to support the children.

“It was one of the best moments of my life! I loved singing with all my friends and seeing everyone with smiles on their faces.”

“It was an amazing experience and I loved singing with my friends and the other 500 schools. I will definitely go again next year!”

“After everything that’s happened over the past two years, Young Voices let me forget everything and have some fun.”

There was a wonderful showcase of musical talent at our termly Teatime concerts with performances from children in Years 1 to 6. These events are always well attended by family and friends who enjoyed a repertoire abundant with violinists, guitarists, pianists and saxophonists.

OH NO IT ISN’T!

OH YES IT IS!

One of the most popular Friday afternoon activities for the Juniors is Pantomime and once again the children and Mrs Scott-Wilson did not fail to deliver, offering another outstanding performance. This year it was Snow White and the Magnificent Seven and all the performers embraced their roles to the full.

Just being with other people singing songs makes me so happy. Young Voices is an experience I’ll never forget”

It turns out People Will Always Need People! The Infants bellowed this message loud and clear in their Summer Concert where the theme was around diversity, community and friendship. The children recited the poem People Need People by Benjamin Zephaniah. Year 2 did a fantastic job of unpicking the poem and explaining to the audience why, at BGS, we really do rely on the power of community to function. To illustrate this point further, each year-group performed amazing dances and songs. As if this wasn’t quite enough to bring a tear to everyone’s eyes, the choir performed a wonderful song about how we must all believe in ourselves and other people. The show ended with a Beatles number where all the audience joined in, lifting the roof off the theatre. We were all so proud of how the children performed and how passionate they were to deliver the message that People Will Always Need People. Well done Infants!

Lara Allison

Was it worth waiting for?

Infant Summer Concert Please Sir, I want some more!

The answer was a resounding “YES!” There was nothing to stop us from getting a thrill as Year 6 were able to tread the boards of the MacKinnon Theatre, after two years absence, to perform Oliver! Everyone could consider themselves at home as they were welcomed into a world of Victorian melodrama and timeless melodies. The children proved that they would do anything to enthral and entertain their audience; their performances encapsulated the necessary pathos with an incredible degree of maturity and provided the requisite Oom-Pah-Pah in abundance. The intensely believable characterisations, the exquisite strength of the singing and the visual spectacle combined to elicit a powerful response – many were moved to tears and the merriment was positively palpable! The only things these little villains and thieves stole were the hearts of their audience. An unforgettable production that left everyone wanting more!

Sian Scott-Wilson

Clubs and Activities

RUGBY CLUB

Rugby club keeps me fit.”

Eric Weng

I love playing board games and this club is great as you get to play with your friends.”

Reuben Stephenson

I love Rugby club as you get to play games trying to get the tag belt off your friends.”

George Farrar

One of the best things about school life is spending time with your friends and what better way to enjoy each other's company than taking part in a club to discover something new or pursuing a passion. With such a wide range of clubs on offer it can sometimes be hard to choose but there is always something for everyone. This year Infant choices have included colouring club, jewellery making, forest club and cricket club. In the Juniors they have enjoyed climbing, arts and crafts, music, Lego, origami, table tennis and many more …

Colouring club is very calming and I enjoy drawing of animals.”pictures

Ruby Probert

I love batting and bowling.”

Tom Bax

I chose Origami club as I have never tried it before and it was good to learn something new.”

Ivy King

I like to do arts and crafts

Football club is lots of fun as we get to play in a big open space.”

Ayo Garrick

bracelets,IlikemakingandJewellery clubisverycalming.” VeryanLawrance

Friday Afternoon

ACTIVITIES

In the Juniors a whole afternoon each week is given over to our Friday Activities programme which is a lovely way to end a very busy week…

Cross Stitch is really calming and fun.”

Mya Patel

I like gymnastics because it’s peaceful and I can challenge myself.”

Lucia Hirt-Fernandez

I like gymnastics and pushing myself to try new skills.”

Sophie Barnes

Yoga relaxes you after a long day.”

Ava Rochford

I love cookery as it’s really fun to make food and eat it.”

Bertie Hargreave

Cooking is a really good way to have fun with your friends.”

Tom Barot

I enjoyed learning Latin and taking part in the plays.”

Isabella Narduzzo

I love Harmony Choir as I really enjoy singing and performing with friends.”

Megan Wesley

Trips and Outdoor Experiences

Animal magic

Despite a rather grey and wet day, Year 1 were not deterred from having fun during their trip to Bristol Zoo. Bringing their Rainforest topic to life, the children enjoyed close encounters with snakes and hissing cockroaches. They also listened to a rainforest talk where the children took part in a drama demonstration of how deforestation affects animals. They also were given the opportunity to handle lots of things found in a rainforest and experience smells of the rainforest.

In April, Reception literally immersed themselves in their Water themed topic by splashing in the sea at Brean Beach. Having learnt about ocean habitats, coral reefs and the open ocean and looked in particular at whales, it seemed the perfect opportunity to take the children to the beach for the day. The wind and the light drizzle did not dampen their spirits as the children rose to the challenge of creating a shape of a whale out of seaweed, driftwood and pebbles. A big shout out to the wonderful staff at the Brean Down National Trust cafe, who looked after us so well.

Earthquakes and Hurricanes

Celtic HISTORY

Year 3 and Year 5 had a fun day out at St Fagans National Museum of History learning about the rich heritage and culture of Wales and of the traditional crafts and skills that are still being practised.

I thought that it was really fun and interesting and I learned so many new things. I will remember it forever.”

Maya Winters

We learnt a lot of interesting things about the Celtic life and saw where the people lived a long time ago.”

Emelie Heil

I loved it . It was very interesting. It would be a great place to go with friends and family who like history. My favourite things were going to the workshop and touching all the valuable objects like spear heads and iron ore.”

Monty Noble

I loved seeing what it would be like to be in a hurricane.”

Abir Suri

I enjoyed figuring out what different sign language signals meant.”

Edmund Pollentine

I enjoyed going down a slide to get to the bottom floor rather than going down the stairs!”

Poppy Phillips

I liked pulling up my bodyweight and seeing how long I could hold it for.”

Mattie Watt

I had fun feeling what different strength earthquakes would feel like.”

George Farrar

St Fagans was the best time ever! We all had a blast and I would recommend this trip to anyone.”

Freddie Orton

I loved going down under the water level and looking up, then doing the hammering rivets activity.”

Lucas Debowicz

It was fantastic to see the smiles on the faces of Year 2 as they departed for a long awaited school trip to support their Bristol topic. Learning about Isambard Kingdom Brunel, it seemed fitting to explore the magnificent SS Great Britain and the children represented BGS brilliantly showing their enthusiasm for learning and their kindness and respect for others.

I really liked dressing up in the clothes and launching the ship.”

Ella Virtue

I really like the tours as we got to learn lots of interesting new facts.”

Veryan Lawrance

Year 2 proved how thirsty they are for knowledge when they enjoyed a hands-on interactive experience at Techniquest in Cardiff …

It was the best three days of the school year.”

Jonathan Phillips

YEAR

and abseiling to buggy building and archery, everyone enjoyed challenging themselves, and trying something new during this action-packed adventure. The weather was glorious and the food delicious, all had an experience they will never forget.

I enjoyed canoeing alongside the ducks and geese.”

It was fantastic, with delicious food and amazing activities. My favourite activity was the crate challenge. It was my first time ever doing something like this and I loved it!”

Archie Granville

Ness Guerrini

surroundings were beautiful.”

Ted Rance Archery was fantastic and the

instructors were very friendly.”

I loved PGL. It was so fun and I grew very close to my friends.

“

were so many new experiences and the

The residential trip was thrilling, there

PGL is a fun activity-filled trip with friends. You have a dormitory with people to chat with – it’s a great experience.”

Leo Bann

Eliza Lavender

Ottilie Downing

PGL is so fun you get to sing songs on the way to your activities,” Joshua Sibley

YEAR 6

I loved everything, especially the team building activities.”

Zac Merrifield

Year 6 set off in high spirits for their summer camp to The Mendip Activity Centre. It was an action-packed week filled with many activities; archery, caving, climbing, tobogganing and an assault course to name but a few. The evenings were spent relaxing with friends and enjoying a well-earned supper before heading to bed under canvas – sleeping outdoors certainly added to the excitement of being away from home. The children returned tired but happy, and with lots of fun memories.

Our Year 6 camp has been brilliant. I particularly enjoyed caving.”

Sophie Carthy

The archery was great and the tents were really nice once we got settled. I also liked the team building as it made us work together.”

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The tobogganing was great fun.”

My favouriteactivitywas caving becauseyouhadtogoth

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Ella Hurran

“

I really enjoyed all the activities and the facilities were amazing.”

Lucas Vanstone

“

Sebastião Ernst

aItwasreallynicesharing tentwithyourfriends.”OliviaGracie

On your marks, get set,

Years 3 and 4 thoroughly enjoyed their day and showed great enthusiasm for all the field and track events. They were lucky with the weather as it remained dry and it was a colourful sight to see the children wearing their House t-shirts and hear the cheers of support for each other.

There was a false start to the Year 5 and 6 Sports Day as the wet weather forced a delay to the event. However, spirits weren’t dampened as the children’s pent up energy was put to good use for the afternoon. They took part in a House sports quiz devised by Miss Hughes and an indoor athletics event that Mrs Joslin was quick to arrange. A few weeks later the children were able to enjoy a competitive day on the field in glorious sunshine – it was worth the wait!

The Infant Sports Day was a true family affair - it was wonderful to see so many parents, grandparents and siblings watch and cheer on our younger pupils. Years 1 and 2 participated brilliantly, giving their all and trying their hardest, and Reception impressed with their running, jumping and obstacle course skills. The children had a wonderful time and showed great sportsmanship. It felt like a lovely celebration of everything that the Infants have achieved this year, building a wonderful community within the School.

There are many highlights in the year for all the children, but Sports Day has to be up there as being one of the favourites for both the Infants and Juniors.

The Year 3 boys were introduced to tag rugby in the Autumn term. They started to develop an understanding of the core skills of the game – pass backwards and run forwards! Alongside Games sessions, the boys played in matches against their peers and had their first taste of fixtures against other schools from the Bristol and Bath area. The Spring term saw an introduction to small-sided hockey matches – without the use of a goalkeeper to ensure lots of goals! Finally, in a slightly shorter Summer term, the boys started their cricketing careers with pairs softball cricket.

The girls started their Junior School sporting journey with hockey during the Autumn term. Here they learnt the important skills of dribbling with the ball

YE A R

and passing with speed and accuracy. During the Spring term, they were introduced to four-a-side netball. The girls played over a third of a netball court and focused on marking their opponent whilst keeping their eye on the ball. The girls all worked hard to improve their shooting technique resulting in plenty of goals! Finally, during the Summer term, they enjoyed playing cricket. They developed their catching skills and were taught important batting skills.

Well done Year 3 on an enjoyable year of Games and we are looking forward to seeing you progress even more next year.

p Adam Manley and Polly Farrer

Teamwork, sporting skills and all the fun of fixtures; our Year 3 children had a great time during their first year of Games in the Juniors here at BGS.

Sporting highlights

GIRLS’ HOCKEY

The U11 A team had a fantastic day at the IAPS tournament at Queen’s Taunton in October where fifteen schools from across the South West competed for two spots at national finals.

The team did well to adapt to the fast, furious and unforgiving nature of tournament hockey, putting in a solid performance in the group stage, drawing four and winning one of their matches. They then proceeded to the Cup Competition in the afternoon and the drama of the knockout rounds! In a tense and exciting quarter-final against Redmaids’ High, our girls came through with a 1–0 victory. The girls dug deep in the semi-final against Blundell’s School but, despite some excellent defending and strong attacking efforts, Blundell’s School came away with a 1–0 win (and went on to win the tournament). The girls did brilliantly to compete at this level and we are very proud of them.

SQUAD: Alice Barnes, Beatrice Bending, Millie Bonnick, Ella Hurran, Imogen Koupparis (Captain), Lamorna Lawrance, Eve Lovatt, Chloe Tadman, Isla Watts and Connie Yeo.

Coaches ‘Most Valuable Player’ Awards: Millie Bonnick and Beatrice Bending.

Year 5 took part in a tournament at Badminton School where they played really well, further developing their individual and team playing skills. This resulted in some good games of hockey and the team finishing the tournament in joint second place. Well done girls.

SQUAD: Sophie Barnes, Beatrice Bending, Martha Benton, Elena Gareh, Olive Jenkins, Olivia Mahoney, Bee Reveler, Flora Seymour and Megan Wesley.

RUGBY

Rugby went well this year with lots of good performances from all the teams. The A team did well at IAPS working well as a team to finish in fourth place. The B and C teams also did well, winning most games with good sportsmanship.

p Lucas Vanstone

IAPS U11 RUGBY TOURNAMENT

NETBALL

In March, the Girls' U10A Netball team took part in a tournament at Redmaids’ High. They performed superbly, winning four matches and drawing one. Tied with Colston’s Lower School on both points and goal difference, it came down to goals scored, with BGS declared the winners with 20!

In the same month, nine pupils from Year 4 travelled to Millfield Preparatory School to take part in a Bee Netball Tournament. The girls all played enthusiastically, scoring lots of goals and showing great game development. At the end of the tournament two pupils were awarded ‘Player of the Tournament’ for our teams – Alba HirtFernandez for the Grasshoppers and Ottilie Downing for the Hornets – but all the players should be congratulated on a great performance.

GIRLS’ CRICKET

In June BGS hosted the IAPS U11 Girls’ cricket tournament and we were delighted to see the BGS team finish as winners. In true Failand style, the weather was changeable, but the rain held off for them to complete all their matches. In a nail biting final versus St Piran’s School, they won with the last ball of the game. The girls should be commended on their team spirit and support for each other which helped them to victory.

The U11 boys put in a series of commendable team performances throughout the IAPS tournament, producing some excellent rugby, despite a wet and slippery surface that made ball handling and passing difficult. Their determination and resilience to succeed culminated in an outstanding team performance in their semi-final game against King’s Hall School where they performed to their potential with some amazing, running, team rugby. Although they ended up on the losing side, they should be congratulated on their performance.

Lucas Durrance was awarded our team player of the day, for his supporting and influential play in both attack and defence. Mr Buck and Mr Harris were proud and very pleased coaches!

SQUAD: Billy Bann, Freddie Barnes, Sebastian Davis, Lucas Durrance, Arthur Griffiths, Otto Ketterer, Jamie Richards, Lucas Vanstone, Henry Vieten-Kay, Joel Wadey

U11 FOOTBALL

The U11 football team took part in the Independent Schools FA tournament. The boys qualified second in the group stage and made it to the semi-finals where they lost 1–0 to eventual winners King’s Hawford. King’s Hawford scored a goal in the final few minutes and their keeper then pulled off a great save from a Zack James shot in the dying seconds to give them the victory. Despite the disappointment, the boys all showed great team spirit and enjoyed their afternoon.

BOYS’ HOCKEY

Our hockey season went well; the A team came second in the county tournament and the B team won all but one match – well done to both teams. The C team also won most of their matches and had a strong term and the D team enjoyed good wins in matches against King Edward’s School and Clifton College.

p Rory Stark

BOYS’ CRICKET

Overall, this season has been a great success The A team went to IAPS and finished second, a great result. Both the B and C teams were amazing, both winning every one of their games.

p Rory Stark and Lucas Vanstone

INTER-SCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY EVENT

Over 200 runners from schools across Bristol, plus all our own Year 5 and 6 pupils, completed the demanding 2-mile cross-country course at Failand. Congratulations to our winning BGS runners – Sebastian Davis, Freddie Barnes, Megan Wesley, Bee Reveler, Lamorna Lawrance – and a huge thank you to all our parent helpers, and all the other schools who took part, who made this event possible.

p Alex Manley

festivalsWithfixturesandfirmlybackon thesportingcalendar thisyear,pupilsacross theJuniorshaveenjoyed somefantasticsporting experiences.

SCHOOL NEWS

Prefects

2021–2022

Head of School

Jasleen Singh

Deputy Heads of School

Adam Rashid Thomas, Sylvie Smith

Senior House Prefects

Kate Rumley, Esme Badham, Ella Morey, Joe Durie, Rufus Ward, Mark Weale, Felix Cotter, Arthur Hales, Sammy Ogilvie, Jess Partridge, Kate Howard, Daisy Mallick

Head of School writes…

I joined BGS in 2011, immediately drawn to a vibrant, supportive and cohesive community that encouraged students to excel in every aspect of education, from formal examinations to the development of character. Since then the School has only strengthened this spirit.

As Head of School I looked for ways to contribute to this development. In consultation with my deputies, Adam and Sylvie, and the wider Prefect body, we decided on a ‘keep in mind to be kind’ campaign, building on a core tenet of the Wellbeing lessons, encouraging us all to lead with kindness and empathy, especially in the face of challenging situations. The campaign consisted of a timetable of events including assemblies, Form tutor sessions and competitions, and its success was possible thanks to the unwavering commitment of every Prefect. I hope they feel that their efforts were rewarded, and that they will have a lasting impact on younger BGS generations.

The pandemic had a strong influence on the early half of the year, as this was the first time we had returned to a school environment that had a semblance to life pre Covid. This presented its own difficulties, especially for the younger students as they adjusted to an integrated atmosphere where clubs were able to resume. The return of House Assemblies was a particularly significant milestone, followed by our first whole school Assembly in the Great Hall in May. Despite the unfamiliar territory, BGS community members steadfastly supported one another, and the way the older years helped the younger ones is a true testament to the ethos the School instils in its students.

The 500 Campaign was also launched this year, thanks to the tireless work of the OB Department who managed to organise our first ‘Giving Day’. The event marks the beginning of a new initiative that has been pioneered by Mr Barot to provide an accessible education to all, regardless of their financial means. It was a collective effort, all Year groups getting involved to fundraise. I have no doubt that it will continue to flourish as the five hundredth anniversary of BGS approaches. The founding of the School was notably marked by our first post Covid Charter Day in Bristol Cathedral; this spectacular event saw performances by the school choir as well as multiple readings. It was a joy to be able to experience it in person after such a hiatus, and the atmosphere was palpable on the day.

My final thanks must go to the staff body, including all who work behind the scenes such as the nurses, secretaries, facilities, cleaners and the caterers. BGS would not be the place it is without you. I must also thank Sylvie and Adam for their enthusiasm and resolve throughout the year. This applies to all the Prefects who have so diligently carried out their duties, and led by example. I extend my sincere best wishes to the entirety of the Upper Sixth as we all embark on the next chapter of our lives. Ex Spinis Uvas.

p Jasleen Singh

Senior Operations Prefects

Louis Macro, James Iwi, Millie Cardinal, Simone Burgess, Alice Towle

Senior Sixth Form Prefects

Kate Lee, Matthew Jones

Sixth Form Prefects

Will Jones, Shreya Prasad, Flo Denbow, Ollie King, Louise Nunn

Year 7 Prefects

Lydia Ostrowski, Louis Clevett, Will Gouldsmith, Noah Clark, Natasha Smith, Anna Groves

House Prefects

Darci Clare, Maddie Harvey, Grace Light, Jack Potter, Stan Smith, Charlotte Bull, Jasper Drew, Bronte Goddard‑Lock, Archie Hayes, Eliza White, Kian Emami, Jackson McPhail, Donya Parast, Tejas Ramanan, Jakob Szpojnarowicz, Kosta Burgess, Lucy Creed, Claudia Hardwick, Sid Jordan Kennedy, Nuala Kinsman, Jacob Lewin, Lydia Li Ross, Tomor Roys, Charlie Tinkler, Alice Vinson, Xav Clough, Millie Eastaugh Waring, Stefan Nawathe, Tom Shore, Emily Stephens.

Annabelle Bingham

Annabelle joined Bristol Grammar School in September 2020, although she already knew several pupils at the school through her many hobbies. She adapted quickly and fitted in well after the challenges of Covid in the previous year. Annabelle made many friends and was a popular member of the year group.

While her time with us was all too short, Annabelle made a lasting impression on all who met her and our whole community was devastated by her sudden loss. She will always be remembered with great fondness, particularly by her friends in Year 10 who miss her greatly and whose memories of Annabelle are shared below.

Annabelle was such joy to be around and would never fail to make you smile. Her laugh filled the room and even hearing it for a second could make anyone smile. A walking ray of sunshine, Annabelle’s encouragement and belief in others made us, her friends, feel like we could take anything on.

Annabelle had such a strong passion for horses which reflected her warm heart and independence. She was brilliant at all sports and got herself involved wherever she could at BGS. She played exceptionally for the U15 girls’ hockey team this year, making us proud every game, and we will all play next season with Annabelle in our hearts, trying to make her proud.

Annabelle was special, truly one of kind. She would randomly appear beside you throughout the day and throw her arms around you saying, “Hello sunshine”; her positive energy was infectious. We feel so lucky to have had Annabelle as a close friend for the short time we did.

Despite her not being with us anymore physically, she is with us in our hearts for eternity, every single second of every day. We love you and miss you, Annabelle.

George Bolt

George Bolt was a bubbly and enthusiastic person, inside and outside of school. His optimistic and courageous approach to life and his infectious laughter and mischievous demeanour will forever live on in our memories. Despite George’s difficult battle with a rare form of Leukaemia, he never failed to show incredible strength and resilience against his condition, and his positive approach to life is something his friends and family will be eternally grateful for.

George was a racer at heart, as shown through his driving in Greenpower and the racing games he played online. Passionate, but always a fair and clean driver, George also loved the social aspect of motorsport and watching Formula 1 races with friends. In Greenpower, George was admired by other drivers and students, actively involving himself with the technical aspects of car building. The Greenpower members were always thankful for George as he knew the perfect time to announce a snack break, with his iconic Sainsbury’s tortilla chips and salsa combo.

In school, George received some excellent GCSE results and was involved with a range of extracurricular activities. His outstanding performances in the ‘Battle of the Bands’ showcased his talent for guitar, his band narrowly missing out on victory. He also demonstrated his dedication to the Yellow House, then known as Diamond’s, through his efforts in school sports. He made a particularly strong appearance in House Hockey competitions, with his talent for sprinting also displayed in his annual appearances on Sports Day.

Beyond school, George managed to gain almost 100,000 followers across platforms such as TikTok and Twitch. This was a passion of George’s that further demonstrated his energetic and determined attitude towards life. His friends, online and off, appreciated watching him play some of his favourite games, most notably Rocket League.

To honour George, his close friends participated in a charity football tournament. This tournament included: a team from BGS; George’s old football team AEK Boco; his sister Connie’s team Longwell Green; and the AEK Boco veterans, which included Phil, George’s dad. It was a great day; AEK Boco U17s were crowned the champions, with BGS coming in a close second. We had the opportunity to release balloons in honour of George and Connie, which, for all his friends and family, was a very moving and memorable moment.

To further commemorate George, Jane and Phil Bolt have set up a charity called SiblingsUnited.co.uk, to offer gifts and experiences to the siblings of children who have been diagnosed with cancer. Whether that is a small gift of their choice, a day out at the cinema, a meal at their favourite restaurant with a family member or an age‑appropriate Christmas gift (not to include Lynx body spray which, as some may know, is a much over gifted item for teenage boys in hospital!). We are all very grateful for the Bolt family’s hard work and we would like to help them as they support siblings of sick children in the future.

In July 2022, George’s BGS House and the Greenpower team created awards to remember his legacy. These will be presented annually to students who have shown exceptional resilience, determination and positivity, qualities that we all think of when we remember George.

Six BGS Sixth Form students completed a charity cycle ride from Bristol to the Royal Papworth Hospital – a journey of over 250km – in February. Ollie Hamilton-James, Will Gouldsmith, Nelson Venables, Adam Smith, Arjun Jain and Tom Shore set out from Bristol on Thursday and completed their journey on Saturday. They took on the challenge to raise funds for the Royal Papworth Charity and to show their support for their friend and fellow pupil, Ed Burdge, who underwent a heart transplant at the Royal Papworth. Ed was able to be outside the hospital to greet his friends when they arrived at Papworth and we are delighted that he has continued to make good progress in his recovery. The final total raised by the bike ride was an incredible £17,318, which was very gratefully received by the Royal Papworth Charity.

CHARITY CYCLE RIDE Charter Day

For the first time since 2018, we were able to return to Bristol Cathedral for our Charter Day service. Held annually, the service marks the anniversary of the awarding of the School’s charter by Henry VIII on 17 March 1532.

It was a pleasure to be able to welcome Old Bristolian The Right Reverend Graham Tomlin, Bishop of Kensington, to preach at this year’s service. He spoke on how education is not just about exam results but also about learning kindness, humility and wisdom.

Pupils, staff, governors and OBs filled the cathedral to celebrate our school’s long history and the role it has played in Bristol over almost 500 years. After two years in which Covid had made such large gatherings impossible, being able to once again bring together the wider BGS community made this year’s event even more special.

LIBRARY

In September we bade a warm welcome to Georgina Poole, our new Library Assistant and Bookstore Administrator. After more than a year of closures and restrictions, pupils were pleased to have full use of the Library again, and we were happy to have them back! Year 7 and Lower Sixth inductions were updated with a video introducing the Library, which meant we could spend more time highlighting our resources to pupils during in person induction sessions.

As part of the School’s outreach programme, we introduced writing letters to care home residents to the Year 7 activity. This helped pupils show empathy and develop their writing skills. The Library’s Wellbeing Collection got a facelift with new up-to-date resources and a colourful display, and is now situated in a quiet part of the Library where staff and pupils can discreetly browse resources.

We widened the audience for our promotions and displays with the introduction of a video newsletter. Some displays – like those marking Anti-Bullying and Equality Weeks – supported events taking place in School. Others, such as our Black History Month and International Women’s Day displays, marked national and worldwide events. Our theme for World Book Day’s 25th anniversary was Fairy-tales, Myths and Folklore. Staff and pupils rose to the occasion, representing a wide range of fictional beings and creatures with their costumes.

Local author Polly Ho-Yen paid a virtual visit to Year 7 and gave an entertaining talk about her writing process, which involved lots of doodling. Authors Stephen Davies and Nikesh Shukla visited as part of HEARTS week with a meet-the-author and book-signing opportunity in the Library, giving pupils a chance to chat with professional writers. We had some lovely book review contributions from our DofE

pupils, their noticeboards gaining good reading traffic from their peers, which was uplifting to see. After the success of Giving Day – when we saw the School’s original Charter come to the Library with the School Archivist, for staff and students to appreciate – the Library learned that we had received a £100 donation from an OB. We were delighted to have the recognition and are excited to buy some great new materials on Ukrainian history, culture and fiction, thanks to our donor.

In June we celebrated Pride Month with an LGBTQIA+ book to read for every colour of the progress flag, which proved promisingly popular. For Empathy Day the Library team created bookmarks, a Form-time activity, and a House Assembly all about how to train the human superpower of empathy through reading books that inspire and promote our consideration of those different from ourselves. Throughout all this we could not be prouder of the volunteer efforts of a stalwart group of Pupil Librarians who, come rain or shine, pitched in to help us with smiles on their faces.

I am grateful to Sophie Johns, Carol Godden, Georgina Poole, Liliya Sadek and Rosemarie Brown, without whom the Library, Bookstore and After-School Club could not function. More information is available at �� www.bgslibrarian.blogspot.co.uk

p Lucille Osafo

exams, Year 11 were invited to a party in the Great Hall in February. This was a new event, put on to give Year 11 pupils the chance to have some fun together after two years that had seen time in school and opportunities to socialise as a year group limited by Covid. With the hard work of preparing for and sitting their mocks out of the way, the evening gave everyone the chance to let their hair down. Pupils, and staff, enjoyed dressing up for the occasion, both in their best formal partywear and in the hats, wigs and giant glasses on offer in the party’s photo booth. It was a fantastic evening, and lovely to see Year 11 having so much fun with their friends after the challenges of the pandemic.

Roger Robinson

In November 2021 the Sixth-form A level English students, and few members of the English department, had the opportunity to attend the Bristol Poetry Institute’s annual reading: this featured Roger Robinson, a writer who has taught and performed worldwide. He is the winner of the 2019 TS Eliot Prize, and the Royal Society of Literature’s Ondaatje Prize 2020, for his most recent poetry collection, A Portable Paradise. The reading took place in the Wills Memorial building, a welcome atmosphere after so many Zoom events online. He began by reading poems about the Grenfell Tower fire of 2017, an event that primarily affected people of colour, a problem that hangs heavy over Robinson’s poems. In The Missing and The Portrait Museum Robinson poignantly explores themes of intense grief and loss, while exhibiting the systematic issues of race that remain ingrained in Britain today. Robinson recited rhythmically, often musically, inflecting his poems with a heavy urgency and striking emotion.

Nearing the end of the evening, Robinson performed a sung sea-shanty about Zong, and the killing of 130 enslaved Africans. This was a powerful and subversive piece. The evening ended with a Q&A in which Robinson comedically dispensed advice on fulfilling one’s writing aspirations, and talked about his own success. He carefully balanced a pressing political message with the vitality of hope, and an awareness of the beauty in the world, in an exceptional reading and evening.

p Isla Reavley

event event

Isabella Welch

It was a Wednesday lunchtime and students and staff were packed together, with tea or coffee in hand, readily awaiting a talk from Isabella Welch (OB) who, among other things, has written a history-themed blog, toured the Levant and, most recently, worked in the videogames industry. Their talk touched upon their experiences breaking into, and working in, the industry. It was fantastic to attend because it illuminated a career that one wouldn't normally associate with creative writing. However, more importantly, they highlighted that rigorously pursuing your

interests can lead to a dream job, discussing how their travels in the Levant in particular had helped them get a job working on Crusader Kings 3

Isabella also provided a unique insight into the creative process in the videogame industry, as well as showing some demos of their own personal project, a rôle-playing game that they’re both scripting and designing. Isabella’s talk was informative and engaging, to the extent that even the older members of staff who were unacquainted with the videogames industry considered their time thoroughly well spent.

p Finn Purdy

BGS OUTREACH

Despite the pandemic, BGS continued to support communities across Bristol; we are proud of our enduring commitment to serve others. It has been inspiring to see our pupils diversifying their fundraising and voluntary efforts to ensure continued support for those in need throughout the pandemic. We shared cards, letters, videos and music with the region’s care homes, bringing light relief to those isolated by Covid. Students took their chessboards online for the InterSchool Chess Tournament!

The Bristol Educational Partnership (BEP, comprising sixteen independent schools, academies, maintained schools, colleges and universities) moved online with student partnership board meetings, staff CPD and TeacherFest, enabling partnership and a sense of community to continue.

We hosted regional rounds of Philosothon UK, supported staff outreach through Classics, Creative Arts, Science and PGCE training workshops; and through shared time and resources, we’ve enabled schools to run their own musicals, clubs and groups. This academic year our pupils contributed 5,020 hours to benefit the Bristol community and our wider schools’ network; BGS staff contributed 784 hours of outreach; 2,657 people were positively impacted by our outreach and partnership work; 373 people benefited weekly from our Sixth-form Community Service Volunteers’ programme; we collaborated with 77 organisations across the south-west; BGS’s first Giving Day raised £192,000 to fund bursary awards; and 24 community events saved £23,013 thanks to our discounted facility hire fees. People are at the heart of everything we do. Looking to the next academic year, our goal is to reach and benefit more adults and young people across the Bristol community. We shall continue to be an active voice in delivering Bristol’s Belonging Strategy as part of the Race & Equality in Education Committee. We’ll expand our outreach support to provide specialist Chemistry and Physics CPD to local secondary schools, and pledge to achieve zero carbon by 2030.

p Rebecca Davies

ART OUTREACH

This year the Art Department has been very busy working with local schools, supporting art education throughout Bristol and the wider area. In the Autumn term we taught at Luckwell School, supporting the current curriculum to make a range of personalised outcomes based on their Greeks and electricity topics.

During the Spring term we visited Birdwell School and ran a lunchtime club where Birdwell students had an opportunity to explore a wide range of media they hadn’t used before, such as clay and dip pens. The Year 5s from Birdwell also visited our Art Department for an exciting screen printing workshop and a tour of the Art School. We also supported Backwell secondary school in running their well being and art programme, spending several days at Folly Farm making environmental outdoor sculptures.

During the Summer term we have enjoyed supporting Oasis Academy Connaught, and running a lunch club for Years 5 and 6, teaching painting and drawing skills.

We look forward to continuing to work with our local community next year.

p Brie Barnacle

ANYONE FOR TENNIS?

The Ardagh Centre is a community organisation based in the centre of Horfield Common. In May, Peter Jakobek, Alumni Relations Manager at BGS, spotted a former pupil being interviewed in an ITV news piece about the centre and arranged to pay a visit.

As well as gardens and a café, there are also eleven tennis courts for community use, several of which were in poor condition and so Pete arranged for Head Groundsperson, Ash Arnel and his deputy, Lionel Franklin, to visit during the summer half-term to help re-mark out the courts.

Before they could be marked out they had to be tidied up, removing all the loose grit, moss and other debris. The BGS team spent a day at the centre and managed to sort out five of the courts and Ash also gave the Ardagh team some advice on how to keep them in good condition. They hope to be able to return during the summer to help clean up and mark out the rest of the courts.

BGS FUNDRAISDANCEING DAY

Supporting Flamingo Chicks’ May100 Challenge, the Dance Department ran two fundraising days in late June. Flamingo Chicks is an inclusive community, giving all children – including those with disabilities or illnesses such as cancer – the opportunity to enjoy dance and explore movement alongside friends.

Over the two days, we raised a total of £216 towards their May 2022 challenge, which raised £58,000 in total through a whole range of fundraising events across Bristol.

p Kitty White

STUDENT LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME

The Student Leadership Programme is a BEP led initiative which aims to develop leadership qualities in its participants through engaging sessions with many other schools in the city, tasks which inspire new experiences for students, and the opportunity to learn new skills in order to become a better leader.

Across the Autumn and Spring terms, students from Year 9 and 10 (Rahul Shafia, Bea Walker, Annie Lewis, Anya Clegg, Naomi Penney and Kaya Somyurek) took part in the Student Leadership Programme. This involved attending six sessions –unfortunately online, thanks to Covid –spread out over the two terms. During these sessions, students covered a variety of topics relating to leadership, such as coaching and how to coach, presentation skills, different types of communication, how to communicate effectively, direction setting and team building. Each session included a task relating to the topic discussed, which students completed either on their own or in groups. This was extremely useful and helped the students gain experience and an insight into what it means to be a leader, as well as solidifying the knowledge gained in the previous session.

The seventh and final session was an in person meeting at Clifton College on 3 March, where students shared portfolios containing all completed tasks and notes from the programme, and presented their Social Action Projects, which were completed as a group and were designed to make a positive impact on the community. This was very beneficial, as BGS participants were able to meet and form relationships with students from different schools: it was a brilliant end to an overall valuable and enjoyable experience.

p Naomi Penney

BEP ORACY PROJECT

The Oracy Project was a programme run by BEP and Voice 21 in partnership available to students studying English in the Sixth Form, designed to train participants in public and personal communication.

Though the event never took place in person, several schools across wider Bristol attended online sessions for training that aimed to cultivate our communicative skills. It is such a crucial part of what it means to be human, being able to interact verbally and create meaningful connections. We

BEP CLIMATE CHALLENGE

At the Climate Challenge on 20 January we had the opportunity not only to show other schools what BGS as a community has done to help the environment, but also to learn from experts in their fields through interactive workshops. We attended a conservation workshop by WildEd, which gave us ideas about future events that the Climate Committee can organise. Going into the BEP event, we were interested in looking into carbon offsetting. During the workshop, however, we learnt that it was very expensive, and difficult to find legitimate businesses for: there were other ways we can be more sustainable.

We also listened to a talk by the Soil Association, which encouraged schools to reflect on their own meat consumption. We also shared ideas with pupils from different schools, which was extremely thought provoking. We found it very inspirational that St Brendan’s was encouraging more sustainable sanitary products in their school, providing them free for pupils. Also some schools were trying to use low energy lightbulbs and this has encouraged some members of the Sixth form Eco Committee to reflect on BGS’s sustainable energy usage. Overall, we really enjoyed this event.

p Ellie Longley

LINGO

Another exciting year of language events kicked off with a memorable virtual Languages Week Assembly, inviting everyone at BGS to explore music and film from other cultures. The Department was buzzing again with a large number of activities to celebrate languages: Year 7s competed to build an Eiffel Tower, Tutor groups solved challenging language conundrums, Sixth-form linguists ran a virtual Languages Family Fortunes quiz in House Assembly, and BGS native speakers offered a surprise taster lesson in their mother languages in the popular BGS language blind dates.

This year’s highlight was the first ever ML Bake Off competition, with over fifty contributions. Elise Sleight won, with her outstanding French cheese platter, and joint second place was awarded to Roisin Mac Ruairi for her Russian St Basil’s Cathedral and to Isla Stark for her German VW campervan. Anora Davies impressed with Jeff Koons’s Puppy from the Guggenheim museum, while the traditional bake category was won by Yousaf Raza with his pryaniki BGS linguists also excelled again in two prestigious external competitions. Our Sixth-form linguists achieved impressive results in the UK Linguistics Olympiad, a fiendishly difficult exam, which tested participants’ ability to decode information about various unusual languages. Jacob Lewin, Alessio Soldani and Adam RashidThomas secured silver awards and Esme James, Millie Rosenior and Sophie Contenot achieved bronze. In the prestigious Anthea Bell Prize in Translation for the entire South West we had three winners: India Barton, for Level 1 German, Esme James for Level 4 French and Sam Cole was awarded a commendation for Spanish.

discussed the significance of empathy and confidence in communicating, and how it feels to be heard. The workshops were also intended to educate us on how to encourage younger individuals to stand and speak out. Our goal moving forward is to run sessions with the Year 7s to implement these skills in the BGS community. We hope to teach younger years the critical skills of active listening and verbal self expression.

p Loreta Stoica

All Year 9 pupils took part in our first ever online workshop on the importance of language skills in the workplace, run by Business Language Champions. We also held our internal Poésiæ competition, which involved some excellent recitals across all languages. In the Semaine de la Francophonie the French Department celebrated all things ‘froncophone’ with a daily Worldle challenge, entertaining class activities, a technical Bake Off challenge and a film screening. The Spanish Sixth-formers enjoyed the Sixth-form Bake Off technical challenge. German pupils took part in an evening of quizzes and fun at Badminton School to celebrate German carnival.

Dylan Pritchett won this year’s costume challenge with his fabulous dominoes outfit. In the German Christmas cookie Bake Off, pupils impressed with great baking and impressive traditional recipes, and Khandi Decordova won best artwork in the Berlin Wall challenge.

Sixth-form linguists took part in a great number of language lectures and events this year. They thoroughly enjoyed a live broadcast by the British Council on the situation in Yemen, embarked on an online voyage of discovery into the world of vocabulary in a lecture by Cambridge University, took part in the Christmas social and lecture evening, and French students attended a talk on ‘La tradition de la BD’ at Badminton School. Our Russianists learnt about The Cherry Orchard at Windsor. Over fifty Sixth-formers completed this year’s TEFL course to learn to teach English abroad.

We look forward to next year’s language adventures!

p Claudia Hölzer

BADMINTON LANGUAGES SOCIAL

Lower-sixth Linguistics students were greeted at Badminton School by friendly staff, and bowls of chips no one could keep their hands off. The first activity was Chinese calligraphy, and while very few had any knowledge of how to do this, it quickly became therapeutic with the help of an experienced teacher.

After this we were split into groups, including the Badminton cohort, related to the specific languages we study, and given a question presented in French, Spanish and German, which we had to answer, in our respective languages, among ourselves. This was exciting, and it had us casually talking about things (like bringing Harry Styles to a deserted island) through a common language that we loved.

We then played a mini-game learning, in five minutes, how to count to ten in Thai and Arabic, then listening to a ’phone number read out in one of those languages. As fast as we could we then dialled that number, hoping to be right and to be first. Then we ate many delicacies from lots of countries, including the most delicious churros and samosas. While we tucked in, we had further opportunities to talk to language students from other schools. We discussed future plans and what we’re currently studying. It was all a lot of fun, and it was certainly nice to do something out of the ordinary and extracurricular, especially given that many trips haven’t been able to run in recent years thanks to the pandemic. It was great to be able to get out there again and be using our languages with other like-minded students. We all highly enjoyed ourselves, and went home in high spirits!

p Celina Sadek and Alice Bell

FRENCH LANGUAGE EVENTS

Early in the year A level and IB students studying French came together to enjoy an evening at Badminton School, exploring the popularity and significance of comic books in France, including cult favourites such as Tintin and Astérix and Obélix. At Badminton we were joined by other Bristol schools and welcomed with copious quantities of cheese and baguette, before settling down to enjoy a talk, in French, by a native French speaker. Both interactive and informative, the talk offered insights into the world of comic books and their place in French society, particularly the part they play in many childhoods. The speaker also addressed how older comics, such as some of the Tintin collection, had elements of colonialism and racism in them, considering the impact of such themes on the target audience of these comics; these topics remain relevant in a time when the impact of colonialism is still being felt. After the talk we enjoyed looking through the comic books ourselves, and asking questions.

Following the success of the evening, it was delightful to be invited back: our second Badminton language evening focused on mediaeval France and the Chanson de Roland (Song of Roland) which can be seen as a French Canterbury Tales The evening was well spent deciphering eleventh-century French and finding its modern-day equivalent before translating it into English, all while indulging in more baguette and cheese. Clear links could be seen between eleventh-century French, Latin and Spanish. Being able to look at different translations derived from the original was particularly fascinating, as it showed just how much the French language has changed over time.

Overall, it was a pleasant experience to learn beyond the curriculum, and the evenings were hugely enjoyed by everyone who took part. We hope there are more to come.

p Olga Jastrzebska

Flight Status Achieved!

The European Astro Pi Challenge offers young people the amazing opportunity to conduct scientific investigations in space by writing computer programmes that run on Raspberry Pi computers aboard the International Space Station. This competition is highly-contested, previous years having seen over fifteen thousand people from 23 countries participating.

S T E M

We were overjoyed to be able to reintroduce STEM Cafés again this year, managing to cover a great spread of topics. A talk in September from Nick Scott Samuel, Professor of Experimental Psychology, showed examples of how easy it is to trick our eyes and brain and explained why it happens, helping us finally understand the case of the blue black/white gold dress. In November’s fantastic talk on ‘knowing the unknowable’ the Bristol Dinosaur Project showed how fossils can help us rediscover the looks and lives of dinosaurs.

Mark Chapman from the Active Building Centre generously came twice to help us think through and discuss individual and community strategies for fighting climate change, from home insulation to electric cars to reusing rainwater. March saw British Science Week arrive, including a STEM Café from Andy Radford, Professor of Behaviour Ecology. He spoke about ‘Life in a Noisy World’, how animals – birds and underwater creatures alike – respond to sound. The main focus was dwarf mongooses, how they use everything they hear to guide their social

Huge congratulations to team RedShift, who have got through to the final phase of the competition, meaning their experiment will be tested in space. Josh Mundray, Daniel Ferdosinia, Michael Lucas, Alex Brown, Rohan Chauhan and Joseph Boyle (all Lower Sixth) have been working extremely hard since November. Their experiment idea was to create a programme that takes pictures from the International Space Station, and use an algorithm to categorise them in terms of how ‘mathematically beautiful’ they are considered. This algorithm takes into account a variety of factors determined by the team, and uses machine learning to rate each image.

The team now await Phase 4, where they will receive their experimental data from the International Space Station for analysis and the final reports. The ten best reports, from the myriad other competitors, will be selected as the winners.

p Amy Finney

interactions. May saw the year’s final STEM Café: three students from Bristol University’s Society of Civil Engineering explained what civil engineering is, including an overview of the different engineering disciplines, covering the nature of university engineering studies, and sharing their post graduation plans. All the STEM Cafés really highlighted the diversity of STEM careers and research, and sparked interest in different topics for those who came.

In March we celebrated British Science Week at BGS, focusing on Growth, the theme set by the British Science Association. Our range of activities included Form Tutor activities, lunchtime events, a STEM Café, a day of changed school bells, and an assembly. Morning quizzes covered all four STEM areas, focusing on facts relating to growth. Did you know the study of growth in humans is called auxology? We also had the popular ‘Guess the Teacher: Infra red Edition’. The biology scholars created an incredible and fascinating stop‑motion drawing assembly about human brain development. Everyone was invited

to a different activity every lunchtime. These covered launching pop rockets, seeing different types of growth in Eureka Club, learning how to tell what stars are made of, and voting for your favourite poster. This entertaining week was enjoyed by many pupils, and helped inspire them about all things STEM.

Through the year we entered various competitions, all enjoyed by those who attended and who represented themselves and BGS so well. Many comments reflected the politeness of our pupils and how well they work together in teams, supporting each other. Our competitions included the Faraday Challenge, the Global Underwater Hub Challenge and the TeenTech Awards.

I should like to thank everyone who has supported STEM this year, including the pupils who have engaged with events, parents who have attended events, staff who championed events, and especially, our external speakers who have given up their time to come into School to speak to us all.

p Portia Bourton-Clark

Stem Faraday Challenge

In October six students from Year 8 attended the Institute of Engineering and Technology Faraday Challenge, a competition enabling them to spend a day designing and creating their own engineering prototype based on an unknown brief.

I was amazed by the pupils’ skills and creativity as they made a working model in less than six hours, as well as their incredible teamwork, presentation skills and behaviour, on which staff from other schools also commented positively. The team achieved fantastic feedback from the judges: a great day was had by all.

p Portia Bourton-Clark

Global Underwater Challenge Hub

In May we attended the competition run by the Smallpeice Trust and the Global Underwater Hub. A difficult challenge was set which our team of six Year 9 pupils had less than a day to complete. They needed to build a Remote Operating Vehicle (ROV) working prototype, using Lego Mindstorm, that could successfully navigate a tricky course autonomously. They needed to put together a presentation at the same time, explaining their choices and how they would pitch their ROV to industries to purchase. This involved creating a logo and brand, storyboarding an advert and calculating price points. The day was made even better by a tour around the National Composites Centre, a great chance to see engineering and science in practice and speak to an expert in the field.

The team did amazingly well against some tough competition and should be very proud of all they accomplished. They were even complimented by staff from the other competing schools on their presentation skills, and the organisers specifically highlighted how impressed they were by BGS’s team.

p Portia Bourton-Clark

Teentech Competition

For the first time BGS took part in the TeenTech Awards, a competition focusing on innovations to make life better, easier or more fun. I was blown away by the innovation, creativity and work that went into the fantastic projects we entered: Chris Yang and Orin Roychowdhury’s app helping to prevent food waste (silver award); Gemma Davies’s breadbin using technology to help bread last longer (gold award); Mark Velichko’s proposals on the ways fungi could be used to improve transport (silver award and Finalist); Miranda Box and Kandara Acharya’s product letting you know when your fruit is ripe (silver award and Finalist). Well done to everyone involved. Miranda reports:

‘On 20 June we travelled to the Institute of Engineering and Technology in London for the TeenTech Award Finals. Having started around 5 am we were tired, but soon gained energy: we began by setting up our stalls, before pitching and explaining our ideas to the roving judges. After that, we were free to explore the stands of others, and other students’ ideas opened our minds to lots of different possible inventions.

‘The experience was really enlightening for us, as we got to meet many STEM professionals who had taken similar paths to ours. It was informal and the atmosphere was welcoming, and we liked the way our ideas were taken seriously: even though none of us won our categories, we still felt that people valued our work. Also we were pleased to see that there were many girls entering the Final: fifty percent more than boys. Overall, we would definitely consider taking part in the TeenTech competition again, and having tested the strategies involved, we feel confident that we would have an even better chance next time.’

p Portia Bourton-Clark

SCHOLAR STRETCH & CHALLENGE

Some 35 Year 8 and 9 Scholars took part in 9 June’s ‘Target: Mars’ event at BGS. The external providers, Thinkers in Education, have offered this event for many years in Britain, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand. This year, Team Japan from BGS set a new world record!

Pupils were tasked with analysing ‘Martian’ soil samples and designing –then building – a buggy to roam the surface of that planet. Buggies were tested for the distance they travelled and the accuracy of their movements.

Teamwork was at a premium, as each pupil was assigned a rôle as an analyst or biochemist etc. All this was undertaken under time pressure and in competition with rival space agencies from Europe, the USA and China among others. Team Japan showed exceptional individual and collective skills, establishing their world record by correctly answering the last question on the day.

The following day, BGS Year 10 pupils very much enjoyed a STEM event called Bunkered, in which they were tasked with planning a bunker capable of surviving an asteroid collision with Earth. With tough decisions to make about which specialist people to include and how to keep them alive, teams then grappled with the challenge of building electronic circuits under extreme time pressure.

For the second day in succession, a new world record was set by a BGS team, when Team China earnt medals as top team in the event for their all round problem‑solving and teamwork qualities.

Lucy Morling was also a winner, as she provided the highest number of correct responses during the day.

p Robert Massey

GREE N W EE K

9–13 May marked the first-ever Green Week at BGS. Eco Teams across the School proposed activities and events based on themes trying to raise awareness of ways we can all be more sustainable.

Monday’s theme was food and healthy eating: the Sixth-form Climate Committee and BGS staff had contributed favourite vegan and vegetarian recipes to a Planet-Friendly Cookbook that we sent out for Form time. Tom Stanniland (Year 9) also created a Form-time quiz raising awareness about our food choices’ impact on the environment. A break-time vegan bake-off saw well-deserved wins for Alexander Smith (Year 10) and Hazel Chambers (Lower Sixth). In a lunchtime lecture OB Esther Carter joined us on Teams from Indonesia to talk about her work for Delterra in sustainable solutions to waste management. This provided an insight into pathways and careers in the environmental sector.

Tuesday’s focus was biodiversity: Ms Thomas created a Form-time quiz about our native wildlife, including sound effects of species found in our area. This was supported by a Wildlife Workshop outside the Great Hall where Year 7 and 8 Eco Club members raised awareness of strategies to promote biodiversity, such as bug hotels and seed bombs. They also relayed the Avon Wildlife Trust’s feedback about the BGS site, and collected names of pupils interested in helping us increase wildlife at Tyndall’s Park.

Wednesday was about waste and litter: a home clothes day encouraged pupils to wear vintage or green clothing, supporting the Wildlife Trust and Survival International. To encourage a shift away from fast fashion, the

Climate Committee created a vintage clothing directory, highlighting the best ‘preloved’ shops in Bristol. A fantastic vintage clothing competition, with stiff competition from Miss Poole and Caroline Cheung (Year 8), was won by Morgan Woodhouse (Lower Sixth) in an actual 1960s’ Beatles-inspired outfit. To combat food waste at lunchtime each clean plate earnt a raffle ticket: normally lunch waste fills two bins, but this managed to get it down to less than one!

Transport was the emphasis for Thursday. Hazel Chambers had worked with Mr Nice to develop an app whereby pupils and staff could log their commute to and from School using sustainable methods like walking, cycling or public transport. The individual challenge had run all week, and Thursday saw a competition: during the week over 700 km were travelled by the BGS community; Glenn’s were House winners, and Year 8 Scott’s Form champions. Our final day focused on Global Citizenship. Year 9’s Eco Club organised a vegan bake sale, with proceeds to Survival International, a charity supporting tribal people, their lives and land, reducing deforestation. The Year 9 Eco Club – supported by Miss Hales and Mr Lawrence – completed some planting of bee- and butterfly-friendly plants on the DT block roof. Ms Hutchings worked with pupils from the Eco Committee to create a wholeSchool Assembly featuring a message from the BGS Eco Club 2072, urging us to act now, and offering suggestions of lifestyle changes to reduce our carbon footprint.

p Tamsin Yates

WILDLIFE PHOTOGR APHER OF THE YEA R

This year we were delighted to welcome back Laura Barwick (OB 1988 1995 née Goodchild) as our judge.

Laura studied Zoology and Biological Photography at university and has worked in natural history photography for over 23 years. She has twice been a judge on the International Wildlife Photographer Of The Year competition, and started the BGS version with Justin Harford in 2005. Her current projects include the forthcoming BBC Frozen Planet 2 series, Silverback Production’s Wild Isles for 2023 and countless educational books published by DK.

Callum Blood Juniors WINNER

ANNA GROVES OVERALL WINNER Karen Beevers Parents

Another bumper year of entries ensured Laura had her work cut out in selecting this year’s winners. Our thanks go to Laura for judging and to all the entrants, and, of course, our congratulations to all of this year’s winners. This year’s overall title of BGS Wildlife Photographer of the Year was awarded to Upper Sixth student Anna Groves

Image Evolution: Team McGimpsey

Infants: Tommy Marks

Juniors: Callum Blood

Years 7–10: Mabel Heffernan

Year 11 + Sixth Form and BGS Wildlife

Photographer of the Year: Anna Groves

Parents + Staff: Karen Beevers

OBs: Sarah Stevens

Team McGimpsey Image Evolution WINNER

Mabel Heffernan Years 7–10 WINNER

Sarah Stevens OB WINNER

Tommy Marks Infants WINNER

Since the Philosothon UK movement began BGS has been competing in an event at King’s Taunton. This year we hosted the first regional round of a national competition. Teams came from five Bristol schools: their Year 9–13 students demonstrated philosophical prowess in collaborative discussions ranging from Sartre on the nature of existence to mind-body thought experiments and the ethics of organ harvesting.

The same event took place countrywide, and winning teams were entered into the National Finals at Stowe School. Bristol now has its own Philosothon trophy, and we were pleased to be its first recipient. Bristol and UWE lecturers and post-graduate philosophers were the Community of Inquiry judges. They commented on our students’ impressive ability to engage in critical –yet civil – discussions, helping everyone explore the underlying philosophical positions and implications.

Liberty Mann was awarded the highest score of any Sixth-form philosopher for her superb contributions and ability to involve others. The Year 9–11 prize was awarded to a Redmaids’ High student, closely followed by a Chew Valley student. This was impressive, given it was the first Philosothon (of many, we hope) for that school.

In March we travelled to Buckinghamshire and the grandeur of Stowe School (on a brief tour the Philosothon team noted that Stowe’s entrance hall has considerably more marble statues than BGS’s) which seems well-suited to host a Philosothon final: they have a temple dedicated to wisdom, containing a statue of Socrates himself. Eight schools had made the final and the competition was somewhat intense, featuring very fast-paced discussion of mainly ethical issues such as personal rights during mass vaccination programmes, and consumerism in an age of environmental crisis. We did not bring home a second trophy but were of course philosophical about this. We look forward to next year’s competitions with Stoic calm.

p Richard Smith

Leavers’ Dinner

2022 saw the return of our annual Leavers’ Dinner, a formal evening marking the end of our Upper Sixth’s time at BGS. The incoming prefect team served as the waiting staff, while teachers and departing students enjoyed a three course meal, followed by music and dancing. There were also speeches from Director of Sixth Form, Justin Harford, Headmaster Jaideep Barot and outgoing Head of School Jasleen Singh plus, of course, a rousing rendition of the school song. Sumus Bristolienses!

IB, A level and GCSE results 2022

The eighteen BGS students in this year’s IB Diploma cohort averaged 37 (out of a maximum of 45) points, significantly ahead of the global average of 31.98. An astonishing seven students scored more than 40 points, placing them in the top 10% globally, three scored 43 out of 45, achieved by only 2% of candidates across the world and one pupil achieved the top score of 45 which places him amongst the top fraction of a percent of all students globally.

At A level, almost half of our 140 students gained three or more A* and A grades, and over a third of all results were at the highest A* grade. This included eleven pupils who will be taking up places at Oxford and Cambridge, where they will study courses including Arabic, History, Chemistry, Natural Sciences, Classics, Philosophy & Theology, and Physics.

Commenting on the results, BGS Headmaster, Jaideep Barot, said:

“ We are incredibly proud of this cohort and the excellent results they have achieved across the board, at A level and in the IB Diploma.

“ What our brilliant staff at BGS focus on is not simply the final grades that our pupils achieve, but rather the value we add – the “extra” that they do and achieve at BGS, that they might not elsewhere. For some, the results they received may have felt beyond their reach a year or two ago, and they are now going on to the university courses, foundation years, and apprenticeships that they worked so hard for. They should be as proud as we are of what they have achieved.”

At GCSE, BGS pupils bucked the national trend as 80% of all entries were awarded grades 7–9 (equivalent to an A or above) and 60% of all exams taken were awarded an 8 or 9 (equivalent to an A* or higher).

In some 22 subjects, the average grade was 7 or higher, covering everything from Maths and English to Greek, Design Technology, Dance, Physical Education, and Religious Studies. More than 70 pupils gained 10 or more GCSEs at grades 7 9, including seven pupils who achieved grade 9s across all their GCSEs.

BGS Deputy Head (Academic), Daniel Stone commented:

“All our Year 11 pupils should be extremely proud. The story of their success starts long before results day and they’ve been supported by many people along the way – not least by their families during periods of remote learning, and the teachers and support staff who have been with them every step of the way, as they dealt with the disruption and uncertainty caused by COVID. This support has been vital in enabling our pupils to achieve these remarkable results and everyone who played a part in their success should feel very proud.”

Despite the challenges and disruption caused by COVID during the last two years, our exam cohorts achieved exceptional results in their public examinations.

Prizewinners

The Philip Worsley Prize for Latin

Ben Preddy

The F C G Langford Prize for Greek

Adiyat Zahir

The T R Glover Prize for Classical Civilisation

Eleanor Cooke

The E H Young Memorial Prize for an Essay on Greek Thought

Alice Towle

The Shaun Holman Prize

Bea Walker

The H G Robinson Prize for Music

Samuel Greenish

The H G Robinson Prize for Music

Pat Bland

The Cyril Clarke Prize for Public Speaking

Kyle Kirkpatrick

The Derek Lucas Shakespeare Prize

Lucas Wakling

The Marchant Barron Creative Writing Prize

Kyle Kirkpatrick

The Parker Prize for Outstanding Performance in the School Play

Lara Abraham

The David Raeburn Prize for Contribution to School Plays

Felix Cotter

The David Higson Prize for the best Drama Performance by a pupil in a school play

Kosta Burgess

The Epstein Prize for Middle School Drama

Sophia Barnicoat

The David Trott Prize for Services to Stage Crew

Freja Abraham

The A J Gardner Prize for Services to the School

Alice Towle

The David M Brooks Prize for Services to the Library

Kiki Patel

The JFC Cup for Sporting Endeavour for the Boy or Girl who has made a determined effort to be involved in a school sport

Lottie Livingstone

Daniel Kelly

The Clive Walker Cup for distinction in an activity outside the School

Oliver Molnar

The Clive Walker Cup for distinction in an activity outside the School

Keira Devereux

The Huw Ellison Cup for national distinction in a non-academic field

Ollie King

The Nash Cup for an outside activity requiring stamina and endurance

Megan Hornung

The Dick Lovett Prize for achievement within the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme

Lucy Creed

The Longhurst Cup for House Chess

Edwards's House

The Ashraf El Shanawany Cup for making an outstanding contribution to School Chess

Kandara Acharya

The David Pemble Memorial Award for bravery and determination

Ed Burdge

UPPER SIXTH

The H W Pugsley Prize for Special Merit in U6 Biology

Jacob Lewin

The Old Bristolians' Prize for Special Merit in Spanish

Rufus Ward

The Old Bristolians' Prize for IB

Adam Rashid-Thomas

The Old Bristolians' Prize for Special Merit in Music

Jackson McPahil

The Old Bristolians' Prize for Special Merit in Art

Hattie Taylor

The Old Bristolians' Prize for Special Merit in Theatre Studies

Stan Smith

The Merchant Venturers' Prize for Chemistry

Laura Druggan

The Old Bristolians' Prize for Special Merit in Geography

Anora Davies

The David Boardman Prize for Geography Fieldwork

Daisy Davies

The Old Bristolians' Prize for Special Merit in Dance

Kate Rumley

The Old Bristolians' Prize for Special Merit in Psychology

Jake Badman

The Old Bristolians' Prize for Special Merit in German

Alice Towle

The old Bristolians' Prize for Special Merit in French

Simone Burgess

The Old Bristolians' Prize for Special Merit in Italian

Ruby Keith-Smith

The Old Bristolians' Prize for Special Merit in Computing

Alex Seferidis

The Old Bristolians' Prize for Special Merit in English Language

Oliver Jones

The Old Bristolians' Prize for Special Merit in Technology

Millie Cardinal

The John James Award for Outstanding Work in EPQ

Kian Emami

Will Jones

Ella Morey

Jasleen Singh

The Old Bristolians' Prize for Special Merit in Russian

Adam Rashid-Thomas

The David Herring Prize for 'A' Level Russian

Darci Clare

The Old Bristolians' Prize for Special Merit in Philosophy and Theology

Daniel Granier

The Old Bristolians' Prize for Special Merit in History: Medieval & Early Modern

Kyle Kirkpatrick

Esme Badham

The Old Bristolians' Prize for Special Merit in History: 19th Century British and American

Ben Forde

The Old Bristolians' Prize for Special Merit in Business Studies

Ben Forde

The Old Bristolians' Prize for Special Merit in Economics

Stan Smith

James Iwi

The Merchant Venturers' Prize for Special Merit in Physics

Kate Lee

Arthur Hales

The Old Bristolians' Prize for Special Merit in Science

Luca Gunawardena

Shreya Prasad

Alessio Soldani

The John James Prize for Natural Science

Emilia Smith

Flo Denbow

Daisy Mallick

The Horton Prize for Science

Louis Macro

The Old Bristolians' Prize for Special Merit in Further Mathematics

Yousaf Shah

The Old Bristolians' Prize for Special Merit in Mathematics

Arthur Hales

The Riddle Exhibitions for Further Mathematics

Simone Burgess

The Riddle Exhibitions for Mathematics

James Iwi

The Dr Richard Baxter Award for Endeavour in Mathematics

Lauren Briggs

The Nicholsby Prize for an Inspirational Mathematician

Kate Lee

John Grenfell-Shaw Award for Endurance in the field of Mathematics

Louis Macro

The Old Bristolians' Prize for Special Merit in Sport Studies

Charlie Tinkler

LOWER SIXTH

The John James Prize for Outstanding Work in Art

Maya Persad

The John James Prize for Outstanding Work in Biology

Hazel Chambers

The John James Prize for Outstanding Work in Business Studies

Evie Luton-Rich

The John James Prize for Outstanding Work in Chemistry

Lil Scott

The John James Prize for Outstanding Work in Classical Civilisation

Isobel Edwards

The John James Prize for Outstanding Work in Computing

Josh Mundray

The John James Prize for Outstanding Work in Dance

Lara Abraham

The John James Prize for Outstanding Work in Economics

Jay Darvay

Izzy Webster

The John James Prize for Outstanding Work in English Language

Tom Atkin

The John James Prize for Outstanding Work in English Literature

Ellie Longley

Loreta Stoica

The John James Prize for Outstanding Work in French

Jake Ribeiro

The John James Prize for Outstanding Work in Further Mathematics

Michael Lucas

The John James Prize for Outstanding Work in Further Mathematics

Ben Tozer

The John James Prize for Outstanding Work in Mathematics

Barnaby Linstead

The John James Prize for Outstanding Work in Geography

Tillie Walker

The John James Prize for Outstanding Work in German

Alice Bell

The John James Prize for Outstanding Work in History: Early Modern & Medieval

Sylvie Gray Stone

The John James Prize for Outstanding Work in History: Modern British and American

Oscar Murphy

The John James Prize for Outstanding Work in Music

Jake Ribeiro

The John James Prize for Outstanding Work in Physics

David Goodgame

Joseph Boyle

The John James Prize for Outstanding Work in Psychology

Lara Abraham

The John James Prize for Outstanding Work in Philosophy and Theology

Isla Reavley

The John James Prize for Outstanding Work in Russian

Hazel Chambers

The John James Prize for Outstanding Work in Spanish

Tillie Walker

The John James Prize for Outstanding Work in Sport and PE

Livvy Chalk

The John James Prize for Outstanding Work in Design Technology

Patrick Kyle

The John James Prize for Outstanding Work in Theatre Studies

Maddie Birse

The Harrison-Dunnicliff Prize for Chemistry

Max Beaumont

The Harvard University Book Prize (Awarded to U6th)

Sid Jordan-Kennedy

The John Millward Cook Prize for Divinity (Awarded to U6th)

Kyle Kirkpatrick

The Peter Winteringham Prize (Outstanding Scientist)

Issy Banks

The Lawrence Memorial Prize for Meritorious Work (A Level)

Lottie Thomas

Daniel Ferdosinia

The Lawrence Memorial Prize for Meritorious Work (IB)

Millie Rosenior

The International Baccalaurete Prize (L6)

Loreta Stoica

The Old Bristolians prize for Services to Sport

Joe Durie

The Old Bristolians' Prize for Services to Sport

Lucy Creed

The Old Bristolians' Prize for Services to the Arts

Adam Rashid-Thomas

The Ian White Prize for All-round Contribution to the Sixth Form

Alice Towle

The Dewani Prize for Contribution to the Sixth Form Community

Louise Nunn

The Ravi Ramesh Memorial Prize for Upper Sixth

Tom Shore

The Ravi Ramesh Memorial Prize for Upper Sixth

Donya Parast

GCSE

The Holmes Prize for GCSE French

Joe Preddy

The GCSE German Prize for Outstanding Effort and Achievement

George Leverton

The GCSE Russian Prize for Outstanding Effort and Achievement

Can Pehlivanoglu

The GCSE Spanish Prize for Outstanding Effort and Achievement

Hannah Aklilu

The Loach Cup for Service and example by members of Year 11

Liv Daniels

Zara Wolfenden

YEAR 10

The John James Prize for Outstanding Achievement

Gracie Macro

Hana Mirmehdi

Iris Taylor

Rosie Chambers

Lucy Morling

The John James Prize for Outstanding Endeavour

Josh Pickering

Millie Ford

Clemmie Pope

Bea Walker

Max Howard

YEAR 9

The John James Prize for Outstanding Achievement

Ginny Sadler

Ellie Karlin

Naomi Penney

Mark Velichko

Suki Linstead

The John James Prize for Outstanding Endeavour

Harriet Bates

Tomas Radford

Olivia Morton Serrano

Max Holliday

Jemima Boss

Oscar Edey

Oliver Molnar

Aarush Thumar

The John James Music Composition Prize

Bunty Buckman

The John James Music Technology Prize

Sebastian Snowden

YEAR 8

The John James Prize for Outstanding Achievement

Joe Armitage

India Barton

Cate Harvey

Lohith Kirubashankar

Avi Tharmaratnam

Ashna Uthayasooriyan

2022

The John James Prize for Outstanding Endeavour

Mya Burke

Lorenzo Di Mauro

Thandar Glydon

Roisin Mac Ruari

Indie Murray

Arul Tharmaratnam

All-Round contribution to Year 8

Bella Daniels

Maeve Griffiths

Callum Johnstone

Bobby Pendrell

Isla Stark

Avi Tharmaratnam

The Governors' Prize for Verse

Speaking: Intermediate

Leo Cogan

The Year 8 Award for Distinction in an Activity Outside School

Pia Lanham

Year 8 Art Prize for Unerring

Commitment to the Study of Art

Lorenzo Di Mauro

Rozi Dickie

Annabelle Julier

The Principal Dancer Award for Year 8

Sophie Peden

The Year 8 Prize for Commitment and Involvement in Dance

Thandar Glydon

The Year 8 Prize for Outstanding

Achievement in Curriculum Music

Bryony Banbury

The Year 8 Prize for Outstanding Contribution to Co-Curricular Music

James Parshall

Most Promising Naturalist

Arul Tharmaratnam

Abigail Goodland

Drama "BAFTA" Awards Y8

Sam Beshay

Anastasia Butt

YEAR 7

The John James Prize for Outstanding Performance

Blenne Abate

Jed Abell

Sonny Hancock

Maanaswini Manish

Joshua Starke

Hanqi Wang

The John James Prize for Outstanding Progress

Emma Broddle

Pavani Chandrashekar

Katie Dolman

Lorena Molyneux

Tarang Vora

Poppy Williams

All-Round contribution to Year 7

Tilly Bending

Milly Burchell

Orla Mac Ruairi

Ruby Spiteri

Anushka Sutharsan

Theo Vieten Kay

The Raviram Romesh

Memorial Prize for Year 7

Emily Preddy

Angus Ward

The Year 7 Award for Distinction in an Activity Outside School

Freddie Allen

The Year 7 Cup

Edwards's House

Year 7 Art Prize for Unerring

Commitment to the Study of Art

Pavani Chandrashekar

Elsa Earnshaw

Sam Hewlett

The Principal Dancer Award for Year 7

Milly Burchell

The Year 7 Prize for Commitment and

Invovement in Dance

Poppy Williams

The Year 7 Prize for Outstanding Achievement in Curriculum Music

Maanaswini Manish

The Year 7 Prize for Outstanding Contribution to Co-Curricular Music

Theo Vieten-Kay

Drama "BAFTA" Awards Y7

Rebecca King

Paddy Parmiter

SERVICE TO THE SCHOOL

The Austin Davis Prize for the Head of School

Jasleen Singh

The Austin Davis Prize for the Deputy Head of School

Adam Rashid-Thomas

Sylvie Smith

FRIENDS OF BGS

The Friends of BGS Prize for All-round Contributions to the House in Years 7-10

Short’s House

Jake Groves

Naimir’s House

Freddie Troup

Scott’s House

Max Howard

Glenn’s House

Pragati Vanka

Hilliard’s House

Noah Westcott

Edwards’s House

Alfie King

CREATIVE AND PERFORMING ARTS

SHOWCASE REFLECTIONS

The formidable standard of Dance at BGS is continually rising, and this was indeed apparent at the annual Reflections showcase. The evening took place on 21 March and exhibited a remarkable collection of examined dances from pupils in Years 9–13, and was a celebration of the pupils’ achievements, endeavours, and the high quality of work that they have produced. The Spring term has always been an active and engaging one for dancers at BGS, as it is the build up towards final practical assessments, and Reflections was a fantastic way to end the course.

Year 9 pupils performed group pieces, consisting of their own innovative ideas, and Years 10 to 13 showcased their original choreographies as well as performance pieces that comprise their GCSE or ‘A’ Level coursework. The evening also featured group performances from Surge Dance company and various dance clubs, offering some delightful entertainment for parents, and was a great opportunity for students in the younger years to be inspired by the work created by older pupils.

As always, the evening highlighted the phenomenal talent and effort at BGS, and was a true celebration of Dance.

p Pat Bland

This was another year of outstanding and remarkable talent among Senior school dancers.

House Dance took place in March 2022: the Year 7–9 category had an amazing quantity of entries, which demonstrates the phenomenal talent in younger years. Kicking off the evening with Junior solos, Izzy Hancock, in Short’s, took the win with a beautiful lyrical solo full of incredible performance skills; in second place was Sophie Peden, of Short’s, with a powerful contemporary solo; and in third place, from Glenn’s, came Lohith Kirubashankar, with a very entertaining piece. The talent in the younger years is exceptional and really shows the amount of potential these dancers have for future years at the School.

The Junior groups were just as amazing as the Junior solos: taking the win were Sophie Peden and Izzy Hancock from Short’s, with an incredible performance. In second place, from Glenn’s, were Maisie Coleman and Lucy Goring, followed in third place by Poppy Williams and

Isla Pepworth from Hilliard’s. This year a new category was added to the programme, the Year 7 groups: this was very enjoyable and funny to watch, but taking the win was Hilliard’s with their well rehearsed and exciting performance.

Another incredible performance, as always, came from Tom Ireson, in Niamir’s, who won the Senior Solo pro category. In second place was a tie between Sophie Winfield, from Hilliard’s, and Lucy Nott, from Short’s, both with intricate choreography and incredible technique. In third place came Sam Cole,

from Edwards’s, with an entertaining contemporary solo featuring intricate movements.

Taking first place in the Senior group category, for the second year running, Lucy Nott and Aryan Nejabati from Short’s gave a slick and emotional performance. Felix Pomroy White and Sylvie Dorbin, from Edwards’s, came in second place with a trick filled performance; and in third place was a tie – both beautiful and powerful performances – between Sophie Winfield and Clemmie Pope from Hilliard’s, and Mini McClellan and Lucy Nott, from Short’s. To end the night came the famous Sixth‑form dancing, when Edwards’s brought in the win yet again with a well rehearsed performance taking us back to old music and dance trends.

House Dance was another success this year, filled with amusement, nerves and excitement: it doesn’t stop getting better and better. It was inspiring to see younger and older dancers show their talent, and we look forward excitedly to the House Dance showcase next year.

p Sam Cole

The story tells the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge (Thomas Ireson) and his change from a Christmas-hater into a lover of the festive season. He is visited in the night by four ghosts: his old business partner Marley (Lara Abraham), the ghost of Christmas past (Clemmie Pope), the present (Liberty Mann) and the future (Sophie Winfield).

We saw the impact of Scrooge's selfish ways on his own life, and the lives of those around him. As he said ‘Humbug!’, we were taken to the streets of London, full of joy, celebration, and dancing. As Scrooge sat alone, the audience started to see glimpses of Marley as he wove between the buildings. One of the most powerful moments showed Marley and the group of dancers cornering Scrooge, making him fearful of what is to come. As the ghost of Christmas past takes Scrooge

back to his childhood days, he watches his younger self (Sophie Peden) meeting his late wife (Lucy Nott). This allowed for a beautiful and heart-wrenching duet between Thomas and Lucy, encapsulating the deepest feelings of the characters. Later, the ghost of Christmas present revealed the loving relationship between Bob Cratchit (Kate Rumley) and his son Tiny Tim (Mini McClellan) who, even through illness, still managed to smile at Christmas time. Yet later we saw the Cratchit family mourn Tiny Tim as they danced with his crutch to an a capella version of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. In this tender and emotional moment, the dancers’ ability to display despair and hopelessness brought the audience to tears.

After the success of our dance film of Narnia, the Dance department transformed 1532 into the Victorian streetscape of Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol.

In the future, Sophie’s entrance was brilliantly terrifying, and the duet following was equally powerful, leaving the audience captivated. As Scrooge took his final desperate reach over his tombstone, the stage snapped to black, the audience left in anticipation, utterly spellbound. This show would not have worked without the amazing characterisation of the whole cast, not just the main characters. Many dancers were in multiple pieces, demonstrating not only varying technique but also an ability to change character quickly. The different groups worked alongside Scrooge and the ghosts to create tension, hope, happiness and fear, building to the final moment where all 85 dancers stood on stage and were covered in snow. This was a magical moment, and truly brought Christmas to life. The audience stood and applauded an incredible performance, created in only twelve weeks: the final bow tugged on the heartstrings of every audience member.

This was an amazing way to end the Autumn term, and a beautiful celebration of the dancers’ being permitted to come together once again. It was an immensely successful and professional production, allowing participants to share the joy of dance with one another and three nights of sold-out audiences.

p Kate Rumley and Kitty White

AUTUMN Concert

The Autumn Concert looked to be in jeopardy when Covid obliged us to cancel all singing halfway through the term. With great fortitude, skill and resilience our students stepped up to the plate and produced an uplifting and joyful concert to mark the fortieth anniversary of BGS’s becoming fully coeducational. Many musical choices clearly, though sometimes rather tenuously, related to the idea of being forty years old.

Following an opening rendition of Vivaldi’s Winter from The Four Seasons, a three foot remote controlled Dalek delivered the conducting baton to Jon Rees: Ron Grainger’s Doctor Who theme was played with no illumination but the backlight from the performers’ iPads, and Rees’s luminous baton: the stuff of dreams.

Many audience members commented on the diversity of the acts. After the orchestra removed their gear (to playback of the Benny Hill theme tune) our Upper Sixth band treated us to a high octane, pumping rendition of the Foo Fighters’ My Hero, before gate crashing the Saxophonics’ performance of Thriller, donning red fezzes in preparation for their ska version of the little known Box by Mustard Plug.

Cantata, led by Liz Rees, treated us to Mama Who Bore Me, then we were whisked into a world of romantic strings, landing in the middle of Fauré’s Requiem with the BGS Choir – accompanied by Nigel Nash – and the String Ensemble led brilliantly by Natalia Gittings. A sense of fun and joy, allied with outstanding musicianship, pervaded the entire proceedings.

Covid has had such a detrimental effect on young people’s abilities to express themselves through music. It was, therefore, wonderful to see our new Year 7 cohort strutting their stuff at the beginning of the second act. Their boisterous singing, smiling, and jumping on the spot perfectly matched the Muse medley they performed.

Equally, our Upper Sixth have had a fractious time and, in their last year, deserved an opportunity to let rip. Complementing the exuberance of the bands in Act I, their Act II included a jazz quartet version of Miles Davis’s classic Yardbird, with Darci Clare in the solo hotseat; Arthur Yirrell’s solo violin rendition of Levée Dance; and She Used to be Mine with Lucy Bywater on lead vocal, backed by a band of Upper sixth musicians. Huge congratulations to them

for making the concert so enjoyable and exciting, and for all their performances and dedication over the years.

We signed off with two fabulous ensembles, both led by Charlie Morris. Mantata produced an atmospheric, stirring arrangement of the traditional Man of Constant Sorrow, with another Upper sixth member, Kosta Burgess, leading the singing and playing guitar, before the Big Phat Band finished the night with two tunes, the second

– The Professionals, a Cop Show Theme Tune (feat. Freddie Joyce on alto sax solo)

– accompanied by a real life cops and robbers scene that could have ended up in A&E but for the fleet footedness of the protagonists; the raked seating has never been so sorely tested!

Thank you to all who worked to get this show on the road: we look forward to the next.

p Guy Guerrini

CAROL SERVICE 2021

Following an uplifting live Autumn Concert we were all fired up for our live Carol Service comeback in December 2021. Our choirs had un-bubbled, and BGS Choir, Mantata, Cantata and the Year 9 Singers had been rehearsing hard, ready to share their pieces with the world. And then Omicron came a-calling: just 48 hours before the service we were back online.

But we’re musicians: things rarely go as expected, and we love a bit of crisis management. With a festive backdrop in the Great Hall, and Christmas jumpers to match, there was great excitement for the following day’s recording. Nigel Nash in the organ loft, led by new Director of Music Guy Guerrini, started the session with our ‘singalong at home’ carols, with on-screen words to turn watchers’ living-rooms into karol’aoke parties. BGS choir then performed Warlock’s beautiful Bethlehem Down, showcasing a polished ability to perform challenging repertoire a capella, with great detail in dynamics and interpretation. The Year 9s’ moving performance of Mary Did You Know was followed by two contrasting, but equally effective, contributions: Mantata with Misty Mountains, and Cantata with Magnificat

BGS Choir continues to diversify the range of languages and genres they are learning and performing, and a real highlight of the service was the full forces of BGS Choir, Year 7 Singers, BGS String Ensemble and the Year 8 percussion troupe in Christopher Tin’s stirring and uplifting Baba Yetu (Swahili, The Lord’s Prayer). This featured an engaging and memorable solo from Upper-sixth tenor Adam Rashid Thomas.

As you read this – in autumn 2022 – our incredible recording can still be enjoyed on the BGS YouTube channel! Thanks to Tony O’Callaghan for camerawork and editing, the OB admin team, the Music department staff, and all pupils involved. But let's hope we return to face-to-face carols next year!

p Guy Guerrini

On 9 March we let loose our shackles, held on to our hats and celebrated with wild abandon as our young musicians took to the stage in a Battle of the Bands. Championing contemporary music-making, the event kicked off with a brilliant version of Joe Dassin’s Les Champs‑Élysées, beautifully performed by Les Inséparables with Sophie Contenot leading from the front. The Year 7 choir performed a brilliant version of Aurora’s Runaway as the panel of judges – Year 10 Scholars led by our guest judge, musician, composer, farmer, Tom Wilding – made their decision.

With a good variety of solos (Alex El-Husseini with a confident solo performance of Stuck in the Middle with You by Stealers Wheel) and smaller ensembles (Peter Kennedy and James Parshall’s fantastic, musical arrangement of Seven Nation Army) interspersed with full band performances, the evening had a lively pace and the audience was well-entertained throughout.

It’s easy to forget that we have not played in this capacity for two whole years, and it’s a great tribute to the professionalism and talent of these young people that they stood up and performed with such alacrity. With a performance full of vim, stage-presence and quality, Morgan Woodhouse led his band towards this year’s Battle of the Bands winner’s trophy. Well done to them and to all who took part: you rock ... literally!

p Guy Guerrini

Summer Sizzle

Our first Summer Sizzle since the pandemic brought energy to the crowd right from the beginning, four numbers in different styles from the Big Phat Band. These included the themes from both The Incredibles and The Professionals, which featured brilliant jazz solos, notably by Freddie Joyce.

Next up was a nostalgic Brooklyn (Riot Jazz Band), which the Big Phat Upper Sixth-formers were playing for only the second time in their BGS careers, passing on the torch to younger Big Phat players and the Lo Phat Band. Then Mantata gave an amusing yet impressive rendition of Raffi’s Bananaphone and then, in contrast, a harmonious cover of My Evaline

Our two string ensembles – String Quartet and Reel Folk Group – displayed impressively tight timekeeping: they included some of the most talented instrumentalists in the School, including violinists Arthur Yirrell and Haram Choi. Following these came an astounding performance by the younger Lo Phat

members, playing Zoot Suit Riot by Steve Perry: it was evident that all performers were enjoying it as much as the throng of parents, friends and barbecue operatives.

It was encouraging to hear, from playback, such catchy rhythms from the finalists in this year’s ‘Battle of the Beats’ competition, encouragingly all younger members of the BGS Music community: all displayed great creativity in their work.

Then the parents’ band – Oldplay –showed where all our students’ talents really spring from! Tracks such as Proud Mary (Tina Turner) and Pencil Full of Lead (Paolo Nutini) were well played, with great enthusiasm. The event ended with the Choir and the Pop Orchestra, giving an energetic performance of All Night Long by Lionel Richie.

Overall, the event was a joy to watch and a joy to be a part of; it’s something we Upper Sixth-formers will greatly miss as we leave the School.

p Darci Clare and Noah Clark

St George's

The Reel Folk Group was invited to perform at the Bristol Folk Festival on May bank holiday weekend; we played a set in the café, in the break between the auditorium’s main afternoon performances and the evening session. As the audiences left the auditorium, we started our set and very quickly acquired a large audience who enjoyed some cakes, coffees, teas and, ultimately, our music.

We mixed up instrumental tracks with some vocal performances, including Wayfaring Stranger and Wild Mountain Thyme. Some up-tempo numbers, some more plaintive, calm items. Alice Towle performed a flute solo and our seventeen musicians, in total, created a joyful and enriching atmosphere.

After the performance, we enjoyed a vocal workshop led by John Boden, lead singer of Bellowhead and solo artist, who was performing in the evening with The Remnant Strings. The evening gig itself was an absolute joy, with an opening set

from Amadou Diagne, a Kora player from Senegal, who played the most beautiful and wide-ranging selection of songs that totally engaged the audience – a fantastic musician and multi-instrumentalist, very inspiring. Having seen this incredible musician playing, it felt as if John Boden would have his work cut out to win the audience over but, as an extraordinarily talented multi-instrumentalist himself, he seamlessly moved from joyous, engaging, uplifting folk reels, to story-led songs that took you on a journey into the life of an old seaman – all buttoned together by his wonderful musicianship and the support of the Remnant Strings who, at points, functioned like a classical string quartet and, at other times, like contemporary soundscape artists. Magical.

It was a terrific experience for our young musicians and, indeed, for the staff and adults who were lucky enough to be there.

p Guy Guerrini

St Georges’ Bristol is one of the finest performance venues in the South West and we are incredibly privileged to perform in such a setting: a wonderful acoustic, fantastic café and bar area and a beautiful hall inside an historic building. The concert brought together all the wonderful music that had been taking place at BGS throughout the term. Our large instrumental and vocal groups plus a whole host of smaller bespoke ensembles took to the stage in a fun filled fiesta of folk fusion and funk.

If you arrived a little early you will have been greeted by the string quartets performing Por Una Cabeza, Shotgun and Rather Be ... another example of getting back to music‑making post Covid, and providing opportunities to explore a wide range of music in a high quality way. The concert itself started with Christopher Tin’s beautiful arrangement of Baba Yetu with the choir and instrumentalists on stage, strings on one balcony and the percussionists on the opposite balcony, a full 180° experience, both technically challenging and visually stunning.

The rest of the concert was diverse – music from 1595 set alongside tracks from 2016 – and the 100+ young people involved had to adapt to the wide ranging musical demands of the programme. We closed the first half with an exuberant performance from the Big Phat Band of Cry Me a River and Donut King, led from the front by Mr Morris and featuring an imaginative solo from Freddie Joyce on alto sax. The first half also saw the last time we shall hear those Upper sixth students performing on stage in Flute Salad and Mantata. Their dedication to the rehearsal process and performance is a huge credit to them.

While the Reel Folk entertained the audience in the café during the half time break, we reset the stage for the second half, which continued with the concert band playing the challenging Buena Ventura – they saved their best for the concert, which is the very best you can ask for. Thomas Wiltshire’s riotous performance of Zoot Suit Riot as lead singer and frontman included the grabbing of a trilby hat in the middle of the song to whoops of delight and applause from the audience.

Following a very moving rendition of Sinfonia by the String Ensemble, the concert finished with a full ensemble performance of a song made famous by Bellowhead, London Town. Jon Boden, the lead singer of Bellowhead, would be enthralling The Reel Folk Group only a month later in the same venue with a brilliant gig by his own solo outfit, and it felt auspicious to be closing a folk, funk, fusion concert with one of his tracks. James Oliver sang the leading tenor line with support from the orchestra and choirs, and ably supported by audience, friends, and family chanting ‘Up to the rigs, down to the jigs, up to the rigs of London Town’.

HOUSE Drama

Six amazing performances were directed and acted by pupils, having gone from page to stage in under twelve hours. The performances reached an incredible standard, and as a School we are very proud of our pupils and what their creative minds can achieve in a day.

It was great to be able to interact socially with different Year groups again: students could create masterpieces without restrictions! In each House Sixth formers took on directorial duties, which allowed them to be team leaders, decision makers and artistic creators.

This year’s judges were two Old Bristolians, George Dix and Rob Ryan. They spent the day of Monday 8 November watching the Houses rehearse, and giving them top tips for their final performances that evening.

The opening performance was Short’s House Play, written and directed by Alice Towle. Her very creative outlook on the Unmasked title involved a lockdown musical. Highly commended, Alice won the award for ‘Best Director’. Astrid Darnton, for Edwards’s, explored the mysteriousness of the title, basing her play on the well known children’s show Scooby-Doo. Chloë Hilliard and Isla Comer, who wrote Niamir’s play, had a similar idea and created an eerie yet comedic murder mystery.

Lilly Chappell also wrote a murder mystery for Hilliard’s, but hers was a masquerade ball where the knowledgeable host was anonymous and spoke only in riddles. Daisy Shepard’s take on Unmasked impressed the judges so much that she won ‘Best Playwright’ for Scott’s: they showed the experience of an immigrant German in the UK during WWII, exposing the reality of tormented emotion and confusion that children experienced during the war. There could be only one winner, however. For the third year running, Glenn’s stole the show: Sofia Aullybocus’s comedic play highlighted the ridiculousness of certain aspects of the Covid restrictions we’ve been

experiencing. Morgan Woodhouse, from the Lower Sixth, directed Glenn’s to victory and impressed the judges with his creativity. The actors amused the audience so much that they were rewarded with more than one round of applause.

In addition, Seth Mason and Laura Boyle – both in Edwards’s – won ‘Best Individual Performance’: their amusing and unique characterisation stood out from the other actors.

p Angus Bell

1532 is back! What an exciting way to re-open BGS’s theatre to the public. The student writers were challenged to create a ten-minute play with one sole stimulus – the title ‘Unmasked’.

BGS CHILDREN’S THEATRE FESTIVAL

From Puppets vs Washing-Machines to Little Red Riding Hood goes to School, the BGS Children’s Theatre Festival did not fail to captivate and amaze its audiences from Years 3, 4 and 5. The event itself took place on 28 June 2022 and comprised two main constituents: one led by the stellar Year 7s, the other by our fantastical Year 9s.

It began with the Year 7s: puppets of all kinds were the order of the hour – socks, shadows, and even Bunraku! The Year 3s were thoroughly engaged throughout, offering cheers, jeers and lots of interaction to our meticulously acrobatic puppeteers.

The Year 9s were equally expert in their chosen discipline of children’s fairy-tale storytelling, inspired by Travelling Light Theatre Company. All classes wowed the audience with a virtuoso flair that combined only the best elements of panto, physical theatre and even musical theatre!

In the end it was a greatly enjoyable event, sweets and all, and it showed all our Year 9 drama students to be natural performers, well and truly at home in the theatre house, on a stage. Congratulations to all involved, and best of luck for the rest of your BGS drama days!

p Adam Rashid-Thomas

‘Home’. It’s such a simple word, saturated in personal meaning for all, yet surprisingly difficult to define, as the cast and crew of this production discovered in the rehearsal space and in performance. It is also – supposedly – what our Odysseus himself seeks: his Ithaca.

His actions, dialogue and interactions often suggest otherwise. It is this complexity and nuance that our Kosta Burgess was magnificently able to capture onstage in his outstanding portrayal and interpretation of our protagonist. A number of audience members noted how this production forced them to reconsider the relevance of Homer’s verse to a modern audience, even, for example, in the way our Odysseus carried a guitar rather than a sword, the transposed symbolism of which was clearly equivalent: the ego of Man. Such was the translative and psychological tension of this adaptation; the Odyssey being a personal epic. With this in mind, we cannot claim to have produced and performed a play that matches the depth and intricacy of Homer’s epic using Hattie Naylor’s composition, though as Chapman had done previously, our director, Mr McKenzie, was very effectively able to redouble the appropriateness of this story for a twenty first century, Bristol audience.

Of course, we were all glad to be able to have a corporeal audience. Never in the recorded history of BGS Drama has a production faced so many challenges throughout the entire rehearsal process. From mask mandates and bubbling statutes to self isolations and social distancing, it still does not seem quite real that we were able to create such a masterpiece for the stage in such a stifling creative climate. However, some creative ideas were forced to be scaled back throughout the process, and no High Velocity Wind Machine made it to performance, sadly. Thankfully, Mrs Walker was always on hand to turn dream to reality, and to encourage motion, both figurative and literal, in rehearsals, with the loyal aid of Mr Angus Bell. Again like our protagonist, this was a production that was resolutely forged in fire. Thus progress ensued. Aunty Nooses became Ἀντίνοος, and Telly‑make us, Τηλέμαχος.

But this does not solve our issue over finding a definition for ‘home’ in among Homer’s, Naylor’s and McKenzie’s interpretations of it. Perhaps this is to be witnessed in the wistful desperation of one man – Odysseus. A Hero? Not in a modern sense. Our director, Mr McKenzie, was unambiguous about how the actors should package Odysseus’s morality and virtues that are somewhat questionable to a contemporary audience. Despite Hattie Naylor’s apparent disregard for this deictic, temporal and theological question, our director was unwilling to let such a contention slide, leading to a subtle and yet powerful direction with which Ananya Shah, playing Penelope, was able to cast theatrical magic, reducing a number of audience members to tears. To this end, the fact that Odysseus’s Ithaca can have such empirical value seems to give us a transformative, and altogether warming, definition to cherish.

p Adam Rashid-Thomas

THE TEMPEST

For our Middle School play, Years 7–9 created a thirty minute version of The Tempest, with a twist! Director Nikki Smythe wanted to create something unique: the students loved dressing up in steampunk costumes and performing circus activities, while also telling the Shakespearean story.

We started rehearsing in November, preparing for a performance in March. The rehearsal process was amazing, creating sets, gathering props and blocking scenes. We wanted the students to feel involved in the creative process, and give them freedom to explore their characters. They all had their own input into creating a great show.

It was a challenge for young actors to perform Shakespeare: we spent time together ‘translating’ the text, helping them

understand the story. Throughout the process we were coming up with ways of integrating our chosen themes into the play. Our set became a circus, and Nikki decided to put a circular stage within the main area; all actors were either audience members (reacting, on the periphery) or performers, up on the round area.

Another way we made sure to communicate our themes to the audience was through our prelude: while the audience was arriving, the actors performed thrilling circus skills such as tightrope walking, card tricks and bicycle stunts. In addition to all this our lighting and sound technicians, Matt Avery and Craig Larkin, created a vibrant and colourful lighting with upbeat circus music, fostering an exciting atmosphere.

The performance itself was a great success. The actors performed to the best of their ability and carried the energy throughout, always grasping the audience’s attention. It was a great performance to finish on. We were so proud of the students, yet so sad to see them go. Until next year!

p Angus Bell

NIAMIR’S HOUSE CONCERT

After a year missed thanks to Covid restrictions, it was fantastic to witness the return of Niamir’s House Concert in December 2021 and to be entertained and amazed by many talented individuals. Our prefects opened with a hilarious Christmas dance inspired by the film Mean Girls. Some of our Upper sixth pupils then performed a fantastic ska piece, complete with many fezzes. We were really pleased to welcome two Year 7 pupils, Theo Vieten Kay and Jed Abell, who confidently and effortlessly entertained us on guitar and saxophone; showing amazing dedication, Jed played despite a bandaged hand!

Also showing true House spirit was James Oliver from Year 13, performing a self written song … on his eighteenth birthday! His whole family was there to support him, and it was a real treat for Ariana Niamir to present him with a cake and lead us in singing Happy Birthday

Our Year 10 contains much talent, and we received musical treats from Ollie Bywater, Freddie Troup, Barny O’Brien and Morgan Clift. Alexander Smith aka Mini Cooper made a stupendous return to the stage after his début at the last House concert, wowing us all, and keeping us in stitches, with his uncanny (and hilarious) ability to discern which card had been picked from the deck.

Our excellent hosts, Kosta Burgess and Noah Clark, performed a solo piece each, and ended the evening with a heart wrenching cover of Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here, and a suitably grungy version of The Rolling Stones’ Sympathy for the Devil. We thank everyone who supported the event, including the Stage Crew (led by Peter Tyler), the performers, front of house volunteers and audience. All proceeds went to Windmill Hill City Farm, this year’s House Charity.

p Steve Carruthers

GLENN’S HOUSE CONCERT

Every year we look forward to watching Glenn’s House pupils showcase their wonderfully eclectic range of talents at the House Concert, and this year’s tea time concert on 14 February certainly didn’t disappoint. With a cup of tea and a Jammie Dodger, we settled down to watch the show.

Caroline Cheung opened with a creative, fairy tale inspired dance, followed by Alissa Fulco on the violin. Our cheeks hurt from laughing at Maddie Bullock and Kami Long’s comedy routine, complete with well timed drum fills from Gemma Davies. Later, we were mesmerised by Micheál Kelly and Tillie Walker’s lovely vocals, and wowed by Anushka Sutharsan’s Bharathanatiyam (Indian classical dancing). Anya Keen accompanied Rosie Perks in a spirited performance of a Taylor Swift classic, and Gemma Davies and Paddy Parmiter entertained us with a comedy sketch.

The evening continued with talented performances from Bunty Buckman on violin and Daniel Kelly’s emotional rendering of Passenger’s Let Her Go. 9GL were brilliantly represented with a string trio performance – by Hattie Bates, Bunty Buckman and Sophie Pickering – of Narnia. The evening finished with an atmospheric a cappella interpretation of Sia’s Elastic Heart by Sophia Barnicoat.

It was great to see performers from all age‑groups, and we look forward to seeing more music, theatre and dance in years to come! A special thank you to all who supported The British Heart Foundation, our House charity, with voluntary contributions at the end of the concert, and to the performers and stage crew who took part in such a brilliant event.

p Natalie Parratt

PAINTING IN OILS

The visiting artist workshop, ‘Working with Oils’, was held on Tuesday 2 November in the Art Garden. For some of the group – all sixteen Lower sixth students and the Art scholars – it was a first opportunity to use oils. Year 9’s Khandi Decordova reports:

‘We welcomed Rachel McDonald, a wonderful and successful artist based in Stroud, to a workshop that I really enjoyed, since it gave me a chance to explore a medium I had rarely used, while being shown techniques by an artist who uses them regularly. The Lower Sixth had references from their St Ives trip; I decided to remake a painting by a Jamaican artist because I wanted to paint something with a personal link.

‘Over the afternoon I found how to work the oils, and my painting started to develop, becoming more and more like my reference. It was very different to what I was used to, as I was never hugely keen on painting, being stuck in a zone of pencils and charcoals. Yet the session was very insightful, and I have since been experimenting with oils at home.’

CANVAS COMPETITION CANVAS COMPETITION

The Art department was busy hosting the Canvas Competition during the Spring term: for the first time, pupils in Years 7–9 took part alongside the Juniors and Infants, and there were over eighty entries from the senior School! It was up to each artist to choose their subject and approach and, judging by the broad range of styles and ideas, the creativity of all participants was certainly showcased.

The canvases were displayed in the Performing Arts Centre foyer, so everyone could have a look around. They were eye-catching just as you walked past: the variation in colour, pattern and theme really brought them alive. One of my favourite

pieces was by Mark Velichko (Year 9), as I found his intricate detail and colour palette effective in creating the overall image of a winter scene.

I thoroughly enjoyed taking part in this competition, as I loved using loose brushstrokes to make a seemingly-detailed piece. The inspiration for my canvas was a Leonid Afremov piece called Under the Umbrella, which was in an original and interesting style to try to replicate.

I want to thank everyone who took part: all the canvases were incredible!

p Eloise Allpress

ART @ BGS

Amelie Chalk

Angus Ward

Annabelle Ireson

Annabelle Julier

Archie Tucker

Avi Tharmaratnam

Beth Wagstaff

Esme Goldsmith

Charlie McVeigh

Evelina Greenish

Dot Hawtin

Gita Hosdurga

Hannah Owen

Ilsa Errington

Imogen Willis-Stovold

Isla Comer

Ivo Thomas

Freddie Allen

Liberty Thompson

Lorena Molyneux

Jacob Johnson

Joseph Armitage

Leo Chadwick

Matthew Clayton

Oliver Molnar

Sam Stevens

Maeve Allen

Max Baigent

Prithija Perem

Scarlett Bolton

Mark Velichko

Max Holliday

Ruby Spiteri

Lorenzo Di Mauro

Lucy Richardson

Sophie Barnard

Woody King

Yousef Naaisa

Zoe Wakling

Sophie Yates

William Wang

Alice Vinson

Marina Gilks

Eliza White

Oliver Troup

Jess Hancock

Rufus Ward

Lucy Bywater

Zac McGoldrick

CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES

Chess

As restrictions have eased, the fast back to back action of the popular battles on the Lichess.org platform have continued and allowed a large number of players to practise and hone their skills. We again had an online House Chess Championship, which was retained by Edwards’s, and also a number of computer room matches that have allowed our teams to compete – against schools across the country – from the comfort of the Pople Room.

Model United Nations

This has been a year in which the rôle of the United Nations has been under the spotlight as perhaps never before since its foundation in 1945. Russia invaded Ukraine in the very month it held the chair of the Security Council, of which it is a permanent member. Even were there to be a vote of the General Assembly to remove Russia as a member of the UN, Russia would veto it. From this existential crisis one of few possible solutions would be for the UN to dissolve itself, but this seems unlikely to happen before BGS delegates depart for their forthcoming conference in Cheadle Hulme, Manchester in November 2022, representing … Russia, of course.

Whatever the international uncertainties, BGS MUN flourishes. A fine new Secretariat comprising Loreta Stoica, Juliette Lay, David Goodgame, Caleb Truett and Dasha Zelentsova has taken to its rôles with aplomb. They and their peers have gained experience of events at Exeter College,

Exeter School and of course our own event, the lucky thirteenth BGS MUN held in February. Although smaller than recent conferences, the quality of debate was as high as in pre lockdown days, not least thanks to the presence of an emergent cadre of knowledgeable, confident and adept younger BGS delegates from Years 9, 10 and 11. The skills these dynamic diplomats have honed in assorted MINIMUNs and online conferences in the past two years can now be brought to bear to supersede the superannuated and stretch, stun and support Mrs Clare and Mrs Cowell as they carry the UN flag to new destinations in coming years.

I thank each and every pupil who has shared the Model United Nations journey with me in the past: I know that BGS MUN could not be in ruder health, or safer hands, for the future.

p Robert Massey

But the most notable aspect of the past academic year has been the successful re introduction of over the board chess competition, including a couple of large tournaments organised jointly with the help of the Bristol Chess League.

In March we hosted a Team Chess Challenge event in the Great Hall, which attracted over thirty teams from a wide range of schools across Bristol and surrounding regions. The BGS First team won the top section and will be travelling to the National finals in London in September, for which we wish them every success.

In June we hosted a Megafinal tournament within the UK Chess Challenge, attracting over two hundred pupils across both primary and secondary age ranges, coming from a total of over seventy schools. There was a large BGS contingent, with several qualifiers for the next stage of this large national competition. Kandara Acharya in Year 9 won the U14 Girls’ section, and Jonathan Zeng won the U14 Boys’.

It has been fantastic to see such a level of both individual and team success.

p Graham Iwi

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

Gold

it was great to get back on to the hills and on to water again, and get young people out into the countryside, working with their peers. While such opportunities have improved, there was still significant fallout from the long time that Covid has affected us. A number of Upper‑sixth students decided to withdraw owing to the significant impact of exams. We have also had limited opportunities to practise, so the walking qualifying expeditions have not been as adventurous as in previous years.

Yet there have been some great expeditions this year, and some excellent achievements by groups and individuals.

Before Easter the Upper sixth walkers went down to Dartmoor for their practice, experiencing 4°C overnight before a lovely sunny day. This was followed by typical Dartmoor weather – rain all day. Interestingly, we had the same weather patterns with the Lower sixth walking expedition after Easter. Despite this, the students were mostly upbeat, and learnt a lot.

For the last five days of the Summer term the walkers completed their qualifying expedition in the Brecon Beacons. On a couple of days students were on their feet eleven hours, and many suffered blisters. They were resilient, however, and will feel very proud to have completed this part of their DofE.

Paddling the paddlers have been very active: the Upper Sixth paddled down the Thames from Wallingford to Reading last September in lovely weather, and the Lower Sixth did the same during June in a very enjoyable expedition, showing great group work, both on the water and while camping. It was followed by a very successful Wye expedition from Hay on Wye down to Monmouth. This year saw our biggest uptake: four groups managed to complete.

Bronze Bronze expedition week was a great success. Virtually the whole of the Year 10 cohort took part in the two day overnight training at Failand, followed by the two day expedition across Exmoor. The weather was very hot, and some students chose to sleep outside their tents. They soon realised that Exmoor midges are a very annoying insect, and retired back under canvas.

Many students found the walk a real challenge, which is why DofE is such a great programme because – whether students enjoyed it or hated it – they all returned with a better understanding of their own limitations and the importance of working together. All the staff involved were impressed with the students’ commitment.

Overall, this has been a very successful year for DofE, but it has involved more than normal organisation and preparation, so a special mention must go to all the staff who supported the Award this year.

p John Carr

Year 7 painting club

Thanks to the efforts of the Year 7 Painting Club, colourful images have been appearing in departments across the School. Working collaboratively on large scale canvases, pupils have created artworks for display around BGS – PE, PRE and Maths have all been grateful recipients of their creativity this year.

Global issues network club

Global Issues Network is a student centred club whose pupils aim to tackle local problems through projects and action. It is an international initiative, very widespread as a network of clubs in schools around the world. At BGS we have focused primarily on tackling poverty and inequality.

We cast our net quite wide to begin with, e mailing and calling charities that help people in our community in various ways. We talked with Quartet Community Foundation, and the North West Bristol Foodbank. We have continued to volunteer with the Foodbank every half term, taking with us new volunteers from Years 8 and 9 as well as Sixth formers. We were soon making new links with the Geography Department, to consider environmental projects for the future, and we got the wider School collecting donations for Ukraine.

After Christmas our Ukraine work focused on uniform for refugees who are coming to

Bristol. We collected four big boxes which were given to a Bristol wide collection point. Thank you all for the donations, which were really appreciated. We have also been helping our community prepare for Ukrainians’ coming to the School, through exposure to language. The Russian scholars helped record Ukrainian words and phrases which we are hoping Tutor groups will try to learn.

Considering we are a new Club, started in September, we are pleased with what we have managed to do. We have been communicating with our local representatives at council and parliamentary level, to help us prepare for next year’s projects. Special thanks go to James Rance, Nancy Robertson and Sanjana Basude, who have been such great ambassadors and who – while eating all the biscuits – have led the rest of the regular members.

p Angelika Cowell

TRIPS AND TRAVEL

ART TO ST IVES

In early October all the Sixth form art students, fourteen Upper Sixth and sixteen Lower Sixth, accompanied by the School’s five art teachers, embarked on a three day art residential visit to the scenic St Ives, Cornwall.

In preparation we selected a Cornish artist to study who worked mainly through abstraction, such as Sandra Blow or Peter Lanyon. After an early start and a winding coach journey, we made the somewhat treacherous walk down the narrow pathways to our hostel. After a thorough examination of the cinema room and games on offer, we headed out to the Barbara Hepworth Gardens.

I had been there once before, but just admired the sculptures and blossoming flowers. On a second viewing, however, a new perspective was revealed. I could see how Hepworth was guiding viewers’ eyes through the sharp or smooth edges of her sculptures, and notice the juxtaposition of her sculptural forms within the beauty of the thriving garden. This idea of perspective through a lens or viewpoint inspired elements of my final piece.

The following day we met the artist Greg Humphries for a workshop on abstraction around St Ives. During our crash course we looked at the abstractions of Wilhelmina Barns Graham’s Eight Lines, Porthmeor, which we tried to emulate in our own sketches of the beach. This was a definite trip highlight, as the famously stellar lighting of St Ives provided a bright but dreamy backdrop. We also looked at Ben Nicholson’s St Ives Rooftops, focusing on simplification, which allowed us to reduce a landscape to its soul or essence and make the realistic unrealistic.

Throughout the trip many things caused my inspiration to thrive. The beautiful landscapes, visits to the Tate and Newlyn Exchange galleries, and an inspiring talk by artist Iain Robertson at his Porthmeor studio.

p Sylvie Gray Stone

SECRET DOORS

Our Classics trip to London started with an outstanding performance of Electra by UCL students at The Bloomsbury Theatre. It stuck to Euripides’s original text while still being witty and accessible to all, including those without prior knowledge of the play. The actor playing Electra was comically mournful and the hilarious dry wit of the chorus got lots of laughs from the audience. We returned to our luxury hostel in high spirits.

Next day, at the British Museum, we were assembled into small groups and sent on our way to explore. Mr Keen pointed us to all the things relevant to our course and we quickly gravitated towards the funniest looking statues and objects in the room. After seeing the stunning Temple of Apollo friezes, we were sent off on a solo trip while half the pupils went for lunch. We had prepared for this part of the trip and headed off to find the secret doors in the enlightenment room, which we ended up leaving for another day. Next, we stopped off at the most important part of any trip: the gift shop! We came away with various books, magnets and postcards to remind us of our trip and keep us busy on the way home. Finally, we ran back to the museum entrance just in time to head off with Miss Cox and Mr Moraca for a substantial lunch.

We quickly filled our plates with as much as we could physically fit on them and, much to the dismay of the Pizza Hut employees, kept coming back for more! Then we all packed back on the bus, content that we had enjoyed the briefest of glimpses of what London has to offer in way of classical history.

p Isobel Edwards

MODERNISTIC TWIST

Our Year 10 trip in February to the Hauser & Wirth Gallery and Arts Centre, near Bruton, was a perhaps briefer overlook of the work of Ida Applebroog than we should’ve all liked — a highly-enjoyable experience where we took a guided tour of large portions of her work. We understood things like messages conveyed by her timescale of artworks, her techniques and motivations. We started with her delicately-illustrated story of the life of Galileo. Her simple and bold style varied in sheets of different size and sequence, with the modernistic twist of alternate colours to just black and white.

We saw a display of beautiful bird portraits on large panels of glass, raised texture and gloss used to create a unique wet appearance to the works. Next was a bigger room full of standing canvases, each one depicting a different painting of obscure, perhaps war-related concepts. Taking lots of photos as we went, we noticed patterns in her work and similar techniques recurring throughout the gallery.

Shortly afterwards, we went to the architectural garden behind the gallery. Though the weather wasn’t ideal we all still managed to observe the unique shaping and composition of the plants. Aided by a few sculptures dotted around the garden, the entire area had a modern yet organic feel in the way it had been designed. The staff accompanying our groups encouraged us to make quick four-minute observation sketches in our fold-out sketchbooks, providing a wonderful visual guide to our experience at Hauser & Wirth.

p Holly Osborne-Jones

BEING THE DUKE OF NORFOLK

Late in January we Sixth-form History students visited Hampton Court Palace to enhance our study of the Tudor period. The home of Henry VIII and the Tudor dynasty, its purpose was to display magnificence and prosperity through extravagant architecture and incredible artwork; this made it a beautiful place to explore. Walking through the Great Hall, the traces left by each of Henry’s wives were palpable; notably so in the singular remaining intertwined initials of H and A, carved into the wall to celebrate the King’s union with Anne Boleyn.

In the Great Watching Chamber, we listened to a talk about magic and superstition in the Sixteenth century, giving us an authentic view of the period. The privy council chamber gave us a taste of wielding state power, through an immersive experience in which we got to play the parts of prominent nobles and churchmen such as the Duke of Norfolk and Bishop Gardiner. Equally central to life at Hampton Court were the kitchens, expanded during Henry’s occupancy: they were responsible for serving over sixteen hundred meals, in which each courtier consumed around five thousand calories a day.

After lunch, which we ate in the centre of the oldest hedge maze in Britain (though it unfortunately does not date back to the Tudor times), we were free to discover the rest of the palace, which was supplemented with a mandatory trip to the gift shop.

The trip provided a unique insight into everyday life at court and was an enriching addition to our studies: thank you very much to Mrs Lobo and Mrs Cowell for organising it and accompanying us.

p Molly Fleming

ARCADIAN DUCKS

Back in April 2022 , Upper Sixth English Literature students had the opportunity to travel to Stourhead, in order to expand our knowledge of the context surrounding Arcadia, a play by Tom Stoppard and our exam text. A tour guide walked us through the beautiful National Trust gardens, heavily inspired by the eighteenth century Arcadian landscape design described in Stoppard’s play. It was, luckily, a sunny day, and many aspects of the garden, such as the lake and the hermitage were in prime condition (especially for taking photos). During our tour, two ducks waddled by and temporarily joined the class as the tour guide educated us. We decided to call them Thomasina and Septimus, after the two main characters from the early nineteenth century timeline of Stoppard’s play.

In the afternoon, after a fine lunch at the local pub, we worked on some drama based activities, including recreations of some of the scenes from Arcadia. It was incredibly useful to visualise how the characters move around and interact, but, most importantly, it was fun to be able to do something so creative. It was especially great to watch Ms Yemenakis give a powerful performance as Lady Croom. In our free time, some of us decided to explore the gardens further, and even took a walk in the mansion. Inside, many artefacts could be viewed, such as furniture, literature and some attractive watercolours.

Overall, the trip was a wonderful experience and, to be honest, the perfect thing to break up our studies. We all had a good time, and are very grateful to have partaken in this educational, yet recreational, opportunity.

p Kai Drysdale

A NIGHT UNDER THE STARS INTO THE WOODS

The Summer term saw groups of intrepid Year 8 pupils embark on a micro adventure. When they left school at the end of the day, they didn’t head home to their warm houses and comfy beds, instead they chose to spend a night under the stars, sleeping outdoors, tent free, at a secret woodland near Failand. After arriving at their home for the night, the pupils had to build a fire on which to prepare their own supper, although they found time to enjoy some games in the woods as well. After an evening spent around the campfire, it was time to turn in; the group slept in bivvy bags under the night sky – and were delighted to have a dry night for their expedition!

Their adventurous spirit was rewarded in the morning when they awoke to a spectacular sunrise and beautiful views across the surrounding countryside. Then it was time for breakfast and to pack up their camp to return to Bristol for a day at school. They may have been a little tired, but they all agreed the adventure was definitely worth it.

Year 9 pupils enjoyed a two day residential trip in June, on a bushcraft course designed to provide them with the knowledge and skills to both survive and thrive in wild places, or wherever life may take them.

Taking place in the woods of Oxfordshire, the course covered the four main pillars of bushcraft and survival – food, water, shelter and fire. Participants learnt how to filter water and light a fire while dinner saw them tucking into pigeon stew, made from birds they’d learnt how to pluck and gut during the day’s activities. There was also the opportunity to practice their teamwork and construction skills with a spot of shelter building. Fortunately, they didn’t have to sleep in them; the night was spent under canvas, in bell tents.

There was also a day dedicated to enhancing pupils understanding of natural environments through courses on plant and tree identification, animal tracking and natural cordage. Pupils learnt how to identify plants and trees, learning which can harm us and which can help us. This included an introduction to plants which can provide material for making rope or cordage – an essential material when trying to live in the woods. They were also shown how to spot signs of animal life in the woodland and to move quietly through the trees to hopefully catch sight of the animals themselves.

After two days out in the woods, pupils and staff alike agreed it had been an amazing experience, with so much learnt, but also so much fun had with friends as they spent time together in the great outdoors.

SPORT

GIRLS’ HOCKEY  FIRST XI

P 10, W 3, D 1, L 6

Back after nearly a year of no hockey thanks to Covid, we had a mixed season against some very big ‘hockey schools’, but everyone can definitely be proud of the effort and talent they brought to the team.

There were many narrow losses throughout the season, against King’s Taunton being a memorable one, where we played well individually, but also as a team. We managed to hold King’s at 1–1 the majority of the match, until they scored again half a minute before the whistle. Matches like this were particularly disappointing because the end score was not at all reflective of our amazing performance.

The wins against Redmaids’ and Cheltenham Ladies’ were impressive and exciting. The draw against Cheltenham College was particularly special, as it was our second time playing them: having lost the first match, drawing with this extremely strong team really proved our progress and improvement throughout the season.

Every team member deserves a special mention, the defenders with their tackles and huge hits down the pitch, the midfielders with their dribbles towards the goal, and little one two passes, and the forwards’ runs into the ‘D’ and their goals! We mustn’t forget our goalie, Livvy Chalk.

Some other great thank yous go to everyone who came out each week to support from the sideline! Also to our strength and conditioning coach, Liam Curnow, for all the effort he put in with us off the pitch, even if it was early on Monday morning. Finally, to Miss Rixon: we appreciate all your hard work very much and our improvement throughout the season would not have been possible without you!

p Florrie Griffin

GIRLS’ HOCKEY  SECOND XI

The Second XI had a great season, with both highs and lows. We started with two cracking wins at home against Kingswood and Cheltenham Ladies’. In the middle of the season we played some really strong teams: instead of being demotivated, the team used this to improve and construct different game plays to suit different styles of teams. Our goalies, Molly Evans and Tilly Boss, got the chance to defend against some amazing teams, which helped them for the rest of the season. Covid hit the Year 11s, impacting our game play in the middle of the season, as the team felt a little unstructured; once we came back together, however, we won games … showing how important our team structure was.

The forwards had a great game against Cheltenham Ladies’, with a score of 3–1 to us: Daisy Davies, Zoë Johnson Stewart and Sammy Ogilvie showed how well the forward line worked together. The midfields were especially important in driving play forward and helping the defence. Livvy Lewis was named ‘Player of the match’ many times, thanks to her great runs and movement around the pitch. We had a strong back line, Sophie Barnard, Donya Parast and Lucy Richardson being able to understand attacking play from the opposition and stop it coming through.

The highlight of the season came against Millfield, where we expected a really tough game, but came out with a 2–1 victory. There was also an amazing goal by Liv Daniels, which I should say was the best goal of the season! Our last season playing school hockey was an important year for the Upper Sixth, so winning our last game was incredibly satisfying and emotionally rewarding.

p Donya Parast

GIRLS’ HOCKEY THIRD XI

P 7, W 3, D 1, L 3

After two years without competitive fixtures against other schools we were all relieved to be coming back into the first season since Covid. This year’s Third XI started with a strong 4–0 win against Kingswood, which set us up for a great season, with 22 goals in our favour. Throughout the season over twenty girls played in the Thirds and it was great for us all to get the opportunity to develop our relationship as a team.

The top comedy moment of the season was against Queen’s Taunton: it took only a few minutes for us, and the coaches, to realise that we had been playing their First team! After a quick re-shuffle, the tough match ended in a draw, despite our playing against a mixture of First, Second and Third team players.

By the end of the season, we all knew the ins and outs of each other’s playing and in our penultimate match we came away with an amazing and hard-fought 3–0 win over Millfield, one of our main competitors.

With strong defence from Eliza Ewing in goal, nippy skills from Anora Davies, Martha Harvey and Millie Rosenior, and goal after goal from our forwards, it was a great season for everyone.

p Jess Partridge and Rebecca Davies

GIRLS’ HOCKEY FOURTH XI

P 10, W 8, L 2; F 40, A 9

The Fourth team had a great season, with lots of highs and lows. In our most significant win we scored nine times, but we sustained tricky losses against King’s Taunton and Clifton High.

The high number of girls in our team allowed us to form many strong combinations of different players. We played in all sorts of weather, sunshine and snow, and our hockey socials provided a great opportunity for all the Year-groups in the team to bond.

A huge thank you to Miss Parratt for supporting the Fourth team through everything and always bringing us treats. We couldn’t have done it without her.

p Daisy Mallick

GIRLS’ HOCKEY  U15 ‘A’

P 10, W 7, D 2, L 1; F 39, A 9

In an impressive season we lost only once, in a very close battle with Blundell’s. Covid affected the full fixture list and sadly we missed two competitive games, against Taunton and Clifton, in October.

Strong wins against Kingswood and Cheltenham Ladies’ set us off to a great start. Sophie Maggs scored four times in each of these games, completing the season with a remarkable tally of 23 from the School’s top goal scorer!

Steph Hamilton James captained the team and led by example. She is a talented player and deservedly progressed to the First team in latter matches. Sophie Maggs and Mabel Heffernan were invited to join the Firsts for training, such were their commitment and ability.

In goal Erika Atkin was outstanding: agile, confident and fairly intimidating. Our central defenders, Kitty Mathieson and Maddie Henderson, were formidable; Bea Downing, Millie Searle and Lily Blunden supplemented their strength. In midfield Steph, Mabel, Helenka Szpojnarowicz and Isabelle Comins controlled the play; Annabelle Bingham, Sophie, Ellie Burrows, Lucy Morling and Eleanor Canning worked as a collective forward force. Annabelle earned the award for ‘goal of the season’ for a simply unbelievable finish, after she managed to strike the ball into the top corner of the goal from the baseline. It was a moment we shall all remember.

The ‘Player’s Player’ award goes to Maddie Henderson. ‘Most Improved Player’ was Lily Blunden, who joined the squad after some impressive early ‘B’ team games: growing confidence made her a strong and determined player. ‘Coach’s Player’ was captain Steph, whom I thank for all her support, and for being a great rôle model for the team. I wish them all the best as they move up to senior hockey.

p Sarah Power

GIRLS’ HOCKEY  U15 ‘B’

P 9, W 4, D 3, L 2; F 20, A 7

In a great season everyone played really well, and always turned up ready to put in maximum effort; despite losing a few matches we always played with smiles on our faces. We conceded only seven and scored twenty, thanks to our fantastic defence and lots of promising attacking, such as in our short corners.

We ended a very entertaining season on a high, beating Millfield 2–1 in a match that was very close right to the last minute. Our last fixture was a 12–0 win against Queen’s Taunton in which almost everyone in our team scored. Everyone is excited for next year, playing with the seniors.

p Emily Pendrell and Kate Donlevy

GIRLS’ HOCKEY  U14 ‘A’

P 17, W 5 D 2, L 10; F 27, A 43

The team had a phenomenal season, starting with a 3–1 win against Cheltenham Ladies’. A few weeks later we travelled to Clifton College for the Regional qualifier, fighting hard as a team, after only a few weeks’ training, and beat Redmaids’ 2–1!

Soon we were at the Regional tournament. We went out strong in our first match, earning a draw against King’s College. Subsequently, however, we seemed to slow down and conceded the next few matches. After quite a few losses we knew we didn’t have a chance of winning, but we went out with a fighting spirit and scored to draw with Dean Close. For us, that was a huge win!

Next came an away match at KES Bath, but after the Regional tournament spirits were low. This was also not helped by the two hour coach journey to Bath, getting lost on the city’s complicated roads and fearing we should miss the entire match! But when we finally managed to navigate to the school, we put in a huge performance against a strong side, winning 6–3! In that match we felt like a joined up team, working together and using all our training to play the quality hockey we had been working towards all term.

We rounded off the season with a big win against Queen’s Taunton 7–1, and a fierce game of noughts and crosses at the last training session!

p Clodagh-Faye Ashby

GIRLS’ HOCKEY  U14 ‘B’

P 10, L 7, D 3; F 4, A 26

I think I can speak for everyone in the U14 ‘B’ team: this season has been hard, but numbers don’t tell half the story. We may not have won any games, but this group of players always gave their all in every match, trained incredibly hard, and experienced some terrific moments as a group together. The level of commitment people showed, and the number of people we had playing for us, were incredible.

One of my favourite moments was our first goal, scored by Rhian Khera, after not scoring in our first five games. It really increased our drive and desire to win. Although we didn’t end up winning all season we developed as a team and improved immensely as players. Ours was the only ‘B’ team represented at the Bristol Schools’ tournament, completing strongly against ‘A’ teams from other schools. I also love the great memories forged on long journeys to and from away matches.

As a team we never let our spirits drop, even if we lost or knew it was going to be a tough match. A particular highlight was away at KES Bath, when 27 players played in two fixtures at the same time, scoring in both games; it was a memorable ’bus journey too, singing songs together.

I should like to thank all our coaches for the effort and time they put into helping our team grow. I look forward to what next year’s hockey season brings.

p Elise Sleight

GIRLS’ HOCKEY  U13 ‘A’

Our squad won multiple matches, kicking off with a 2–1 win against Kingswood in a league match. During the Autumn term, we had four home matches and three away; we attended three tournaments. Home proved a happier hunting ground, with a better win rate, than our away matches; away to Millfield on a bright, windy Saturday is a particularly painful memory for us all. It was a long trip to Blundell’s, but they definitely deserve the award for best teas this year; and we lost many voices, singing on the coach ride home.

With a great team we battled through the County tournament, scoring a hard fought win against Clifton in the semi finals. With Clifton sorted out, we’d earned our place at the Regionals. The first two matches in our pool were a great success: 2–0 to us in both matches. The next game proved a challenge, but we pulled through with a draw to take us to the semi finals against Redmaids’, a strong team. But we made ourselves and the coaching team proud, drawing 1–1 in a solid match. I should like to mention Annabelle Julier, who played amazingly, setting up and taking multiple shots on goal. Unfortunately, the draw led to flicks, and that is where our journey came to a close.

p Rosie Mathieson

GIRLS’ HOCKEY  U13 ‘B’

We came along so much this year, even after missing the season in Year 7, but had a mixed time, winning half our matches. The first game we sadly lost 3–0 to Kingswood, but then we beat Cheltenham Ladies’ 4–1. Next we lost 4–1 away to Blundell’s, before beating Dean Close at home by the same margin. The following week we unexpectedly won 5–2 against Clifton, Lara Osborne Jones scoring most of the goals. Lara also scored a lot in the County tournament, where we came third after losing to Clifton and drawing against Redmaids’.

On 15 November we beat King Edward’s at home. Then we played Redmaids’ again in a normal fixture, losing 0–4. In our last match we played Millfield away, losing 3–7 but still having lots of fun.

Each player helped massively in every game. Imy Willis Stovold, Lara Osborne Jones and Mirre van der Werf were our attackers, Isabel Canning and Gita Hosdurga our main defence supporting Maisie Coleman or Poppy Low in goal. Saba Emami, Emily Allard, Bella Daniels and many other players came from different teams and helped us. Despite multiple losses we all had lots of fun, and got better as a team.

p Sophie Russell

GIRLS’ HOCKEY  U13 ‘C’

P 3, W 2, L 1; F 8, A 6

We were especially pleased to be able to play matches against other schools this year, as we couldn’t do so in Year 7. We played Kingswood, Dean Close and Redmaids’. Some impressive goals were scored, both by us and by opposing schools, and the matches were quite tough at times. Using teamwork and cooperation, however, we strengthened our bonds both in friendship and gameplay, and had a great time on top of that. It was lot of fun playing, and we hope to improve even more going into Year 9.

Special thanks go to our goalies over the three matches: Maisie Coleman, Elspeth Barden and Poppy Low made massive contributions to our gameplay. Thanks also to our captains, Nancy Robertson, Jess Harvey and Roisin Mac Ruairi.

p Anya Keen

GIRLS’ HOCKEY  U13 ‘D’

P 4, W 3, L 1; F 6, A 5

For many of us this season brought the first chance to play competitive matches against other schools since we joined BGS, having missed such fixtures in Year 7 thanks to the pandemic. We had a great start at home, with a 1–0 win against Kingswood. Our highlight was another 1–0 victory, this time away, against the very strong team from Redmaids’: all our team contributed, and Leyla Bonello put in an excellent performance and scored the winning goal.

Following this, we upped our scoring rate and went on to win 3–1 against KES Bath. The team also played solidly in defence, Caroline Cheung putting in an outstanding performance and working tirelessly to prevent the opposition from scoring. Our final match was away against a particularly strong Millfield team and, although we put up a strong fight, they had the upper hand and won 4–1. Overall, it was an entertaining and successful first season playing competitive matches.

p Hannah Temple

GIRLS’ HOCKEY  U12 ‘A’

P 7, W 4, L 3

The term was such fun, and I feel we achieved a lot. I loved playing in this team, and Spring term preparation for the Regionals was a highlight. Our hard work every Tuesday night paid off when we came a surprising second overall! One of our best matches was in the worrying game against a strong Millfield team, to whom we’d lost 5–0 during the hockey season. Drawing with them 2–2 was a massive achievement, in which everyone played their absolute best.

We started our season with two wins, 7–3 against Kingswood and 6–0 against Cheltenham Ladies’. Esme Johnson was amazing in goal all season, always encouraging from the back line. Among her amazing saves was one in the Regionals, caught with her stick to save the match in a critical moment.

We couldn’t have done all this without our incredible coaches, Mrs John and Miss Rixon, who have encouraged us and brought us together. I shall be excited to play with this team again next season.

p Maeve Allen

GIRLS’ HOCKEY  U12 ‘B’

P 7, W 4, L 2, D 1

It has been an amazing first season playing together; to lose only two of our seven matches was an outstanding achievement. We had much fun, on the ’buses, before playing, and out on the field. I am proud of our team, since half the players had not picked up a hockey stick before September! Everyone has always put in maximum effort, and rigorously refused to give up. Our best match was a delightful 4–2 win against Cheltenham Ladies’, on a hot day with tensions running high. Our outstanding coaches have helped us improve in the sport we love, and I can’t wait for our years to come. As a team we have created new friendships, and memories we shall never forget.

p Esther Robinson

GIRLS’ HOCKEY  U12 ‘C’

P 5, W 3, D 2; F 11, A 3

The team played amazingly, losing no matches, and drawing only against Clifton and Redmaids’ High! The Kingswood match was a tough game, yet it ended 2–0 to us, because keeper Milly Burchell managed to save every attempt at goal, with help from defender Katie Dolman. We also beat Dean Close 3–0, all goals scored with teamwork from Martha Phillips and Liberty Thompson. Our last match was against KES Bath: although they scored first we fought back, ending 4–1 up, a great way to finish the season!

The whole team really came together and we become close friends while enjoying the game we love so much. We couldn’t have made it this far without our fabulous, amazing coaches and we’re really grateful to them and India Monllor Domenech for helping us so much. We all enjoyed hanging out on the ’buses before and after playing, and having a good time at practice after School on Mondays and Fridays; we only wish we could play for longer, and can’t wait to get back to hockey next year.

p Hattie Ellis

GIRLS’ HOCKEY  U12 ‘D’

P 5, W 3, L 1, D 1

We had a great hockey season, winning half our games, an amazing achievement for the ‘D’ team. We had a lot of high and lows, exactly like a rollercoaster ride. One of our biggest highlights was winning our first match 7–0 against Dean Close: we were so happy (and a bit wet) and couldn’t wait to play our next match together.

A lot of people joined and left: I’m glad we had so many keen players who just wanted to try a bit of everything. Thanks to everyone who played with the ‘D’ team, trying their best. I know I speak for everyone when I say ‘thank you’ to all our hockey coaches for creating a better skilled team, and helping people find their new passion. We are all looking forward to next season already!

p Anaïs Gillings

NETBALL  FIRST VII

The First team started their season back in the Autumn term, when they competed in the area rounds of the National Schools’ competition. The girls narrowly missed out on qualification, just one goal coming between them and a finals spot which would have seen them through to the Regional round a target for next season! Their strength on court continued into the Spring, where they took solid wins against Colston’s, Kingswood, Wycliffe and King’s Taunton, and their strongest win of 49–17 against local rivals, Clifton College. They also challenged the Bristol University Third team in a very competitive game of high quality end to end Netball, resulting in a 34–34 draw. The only losses this team experienced were against Taunton and KES Bath, who were among the teams represented at the Regional tournaments, thus proving their dominance in the area and supporting the aspirations for next year.

Team highlights include Sophia Uglow making her Senior début in the First squad, contributing impressively to the attacking unit, who scored a mighty 326 as a collective across the season. It was also an honour to witness the defensive combination of sisters Millie and Hannah Eastaugh Waring playing together for a season, their innate cohesion and shared determination making life very difficult for any opposition to get to goal.

The team was awesomely captained by Bronte Goddard Lock, with Lucy Creed and Millie Eastaugh Waring comprising the leadership team. The ‘Coaches’ player’ award went to Ruby Elston, ‘Players’ player’ award to Bronte Goddard Lock, and the award for ‘Rigour’ went to Zoë Johnston Stewart.

p Jasmine Hainsworth

NETBALL  SECOND VII

The Second team set the standard for themselves early this year, their first match of the season being a 32–13 win against Wycliffe. They continued their success on the court with strong wins against Redmaids’, Kingswood, KES, Colston’s and King’s Taunton. They finished their season with an intense game against Royal High, in which they performed their best netball and showed what a fantastically determined and united team they were, eventually taking the win 26–21. The team included lots of Year 11s making their début, many having already stepped up to First team standard in matches and in training, and they should all be aspiring for the prestigious First team spots next year.

Team highlights include scoring over 250 goals across nine games, showing amazing versatility in particular Emilia Smith who has played across all three units and having a fantastic team spirit throughout, enhanced by two of our future school leaders in Ruby Downer and Izzy Webster.

The team was outstandingly captained by Izzy Webster, supported by fellow leaders Flo Denbow, Holly Boorman and Tilly Jones. ‘Players’ player’ for the season was awarded to Tilly Jones, ‘Coaches’ player’ to Flo Denbow, and the ‘Rigour’ award went to Sophie Robinson.

p Jasmine Hainsworth

NETBALL  THIRD VII

P

10, W 5, L 5

The Third VII had a mixed season in terms of results, however in terms of numbers participating, team spirit, set play routines, parent supporters and progress made, we were winners every single week.

The team had some great matches against Kingswood (winning 19–16) and Royal High (21–14) and convincing wins over Colston’s and Wycliffe.

They were unlucky to lose in a very close game against KES Bath and, against the strong, well drilled Taunton and Clifton sides, they managed to play competitively. The squad learnt a lot from playing against such experienced teams.

The defensive unit of Izzy Shaw, Jessie Mitchell and Yasmin Sellers impressed every week and the younger members of the team started to develop a really physical presence on court. Centre court was controlled by Sienna Haralambos, Sylvie Ruddlesdin, Esme Gouldsmith, Martha Harvey and Lizzie Clark. Their fitness levels were far superior to many of the opposition and the rotation around positions helped them all develop as individual players too. There was strength in depth in the shooting circle and, with a variety of styles of play from Maddie Doorman, Lucy Richardson, Zara Wolfenden and Milly Henderson, we could substitute players accordingly and work out how to break down any defence.

‘Coach’s player’ this season goes to Zara Wolfenden for her work rate and shooting accuracy. ‘Player’s player’ was tightly contested, and Jessie Mitchell came out as the overall winner.

We both thoroughly enjoyed working with the team this season and know that many of you will move onto higher teams next year. Thank you for your commitment to BGS and to Sylvie and Sienna for leading the team so well.

p Vicky Dixon and Rachel John

NETBALL  FOURTH VII

P 8, W 3, L 4, D 1

The season kicked off with an impressive win, 27–10, against Wycliffe College. Continued strength in the shooting circle helped the team secure wins with impressive performances against Redmaids’ High and Kingswood, winning 14–8 and 15–13 respectively. The team being made up of girls from across three different Year groups, it was great to see them develop as a unit and get to know each other over our pre match pastries (this became a Saturday morning tradition!). The encouragement given to one another was outstanding: a particular note to Ananya Shah for her side line coaching, and to Lara Smith for being the most vocal centre player on the pitch! The ‘Players’ player’ award went to Coco McClellan and the ‘Coach’s player’ to Maria Iwi. It was a very enjoyable season with an extremely talented group of girls.

NETBALL  U15 ‘A’

P 9, W 5, L 4; F 178, A 215

The season began with an excellent, well fought game against Wycliffe College, where we narrowly lost after our GA, Sophie Maggs, had to leave the game injured. Captain Millie Searle was noticed by the head Severn Stars selector, and invited to attend their Nova session a fantastic achievement.

Our team was strong and determined: players vied for positions and there was plenty of competition from ‘B’ team players for places. It was an incredibly difficult and sad start for this Year group with the loss of a star shooter, player and friend, Annabelle Bingham, who was in the ‘A’ squad and a shining netballer. The girls were brave and strong and after a break in the season came back with a hard fought win against Kingswood School.

In defence, Millie Ford and Millie Searle were a great duo. In mid court the exceptional energy and pace of Steph Hamilton James was noteworthy. From our great selection of mid court players Eleanor Canning, Ellie Burrows, Lucy Morling, Kitty Mathieson and Emily Pendrell all contributed to a strong squad. In our attacking circle both Sophie and Maddie Henderson continued to impress with their shooting accuracy, as they have done since Year 7.

We played some very tough games against impressive opponents: Monkton Combe, Taunton School and Royal School Bath were three of these, yet despite being the underdogs our girls never gave up, and impressed with their determination and good spirits.

‘Players’ player’ was awarded to Steph Hamilton James, and ‘Coach’s player’ to Millie Searle, whom I thank for all her hard work and help in supporting me and the team through a tough term. I should also like to thank the parents for their kindness and unerring support throughout this term. I wish the girls all the best for their future netball in the Seniors.

p Sarah Power

NETBALL  U15 ‘B’

P 8, W 5, L 3; F 126, A87

This was a very impressive team. We are fortunate to have good strength and depth in this Year group, and players capable of pushing up to the ‘A’ team. Attendance at training was not always as high as expected, thanks to other commitments, but despite this the squad worked hard and gelled well.

Our first match, against Wycliffe College, saw an incredible 33–8 win, an amazing 23 of these goals being scored by Annabelle Bingham, who was challenging the ‘A’ team shooters and indeed was in the ‘A’ squad. Other notable performances came from the awesome defensive pair of Heidi Finch and Lauren Dickie, who made the opposition work very hard to get into their circle.

The season continued with impressive wins against Kingswood and King Edward’s School, before a hard fought game where we narrowly lost, 10–14, against Taunton School.

Emily Pendrell captained the side at the start of the season, before pushing up to the ‘A’ team. Zoë Snelling, who received the ‘Players’ player’ vote, was strong in mid court, as were Kate Russell, Lily Blunden and Mabel Heffernan, who was awarded ‘Coach’s player’. Kate Donlevy was unerring in her positive attitude and determination, and Juliette Roberts joined the squad after impressive performances in the ‘C’ team. Special mention goes to Ohsha Smith, who started playing netball this year. In the ‘C’ team it became apparent that she was a very able athlete: she progressed to the ‘B’ team and her performance continued to improve as the season went on. She receives the overall ‘Most improved player’ award for the Year group, and is one to watch in the future. I hope this cohort will continue to play as they move up. We both thank them for their good attitude in a very difficult time.

Sarah Power and Katharine Bovey

NETBALL  U15 ‘C’

P 4, W 2, L 2; F 41, A 71

It is quite impressive that we are able to put out a ‘C’ team at this age group. It is a reflection of the School’s ethos of encouragement and inclusion that we have so many able netballers who enjoy and commit to playing Saturday sport. It is not easy to find opposition to match, but nevertheless we are delighted to be able to offer the girls the chance to play when we can.

Despite having only four matches, there were some noteworthy performances. Mini McClellan received the ‘Player’s player’ award, and was strong in mid court. We had various combinations of shooters, the girls being happy to step up and try new positions. Both Pragati Vanka and Preet Dukhi worked hard as shooters and Hana Mirmehdi impressed in defence. In the mid court Sylvie Dorbin, Rebecca Lucas, Clemmie Pope and Daisy Shepherd all contributed to the team. Several of the team moved up to join the ‘B’ squad as the season progressed.

Special mention should be made of Preet, who attended nearly every training session and was always asking for advice on how to improve. She has a great, positive attitude and worked her way up to the ‘B’ team. Preet was awarded the ‘Coach’s player’ award.

The squad was broad and despite the lack of training together they always brought a smile and positivity to the matches. We should both like to thank them for an enjoyable season and wish them all the best as they move up to Senior netball.

p Sarah Power and Katharine Bovey

NETBALL  U14 ‘A’

Captained by Clodagh-Faye

Ashby, the team had a challenging season, achieving four wins.

The start, securing a 24–6 win against Wycliffe College, was extremely successful.

Exceptional defence from Khandi Decordova and Orla

Farrelly kept the opposition under control, and the girls worked hard to remain in possession of the ball throughout the match. In a well fought game against Kingswood School the girls displayed determination and resilience, and a high level of netball was seen against a strong opposition: outstanding shooting from Jasmine Sappal, Isla Shepard and Elise Sleight secured the 22–15 win.

The season ended with a tough game against Royal High Bath. The girls struggled to retain possession in the first half of the game, though each player displayed a superb level of determination against tough opposition, turning the game around in the final quarter. Clinical centre court work from Clodagh

Faye, Hattie Bates and Sophie Pickering throughout the season controlled the play in each fixture. Overall it was a fantastic season, preparing the girls to represent the School in the U15 teams next year.

p Katherine Brimming

NETBALL  U14 ‘B’

Excellently captained by Immy Yeo, the squad had a successful season, finishing with seven wins. An excellent away game at Wycliffe College saw strong defence from Eloise Allpress and Daisy Wood in the circle secure a 13–7 win. The team had another strong win the following week against Clifton College: superb centre court play from Annabelle Ireson, Suki Linstead, Amy Morling and Emma Wolfenden allowed BGS to keep possession throughout the game and led to a 16–9 win. Redmaids’ High presented a very strong game in Week 3. Despite our attacking players’ working tirelessly throughout the match to turn the game around, the team suffered a 3–13 loss.

As the weeks progressed, hard work, determination and commitment from the girls saw significant progress in their netball skills. Noteworthy progress in defensive positions could be seen from Ruth Goodgame and Lilian Burling. We finished the season with an incredible display of netball against Royal High: exceptional teamwork and shooting from Immy Yeo and Fran Edson saw the squad finish the season on a high, winning 21–6.

Overall, the U14 ‘B’ team have had a fantastic season where each player has displayed significant improvement in their netball ability and represented the School consistently in a positive light.

p Katherine Brimming

NETBALL  U14 ‘C’/‘D’

The squad had a short but challenging season with eight matches, securing three wins and five losses. Captained exceptionally by Lottie Livingston throughout the season, the team had a superb start with a fixture against Wycliffe College. Nishi Vora and Rhian Khera worked well together, shooting in the circle to secure a strong 25–6 win.

The team faced well matched competition from Clifton College. Hard defence from Jemima Boss, Freja Jackson and Lottie Livingston put great pressure on the shooters in the opposition. Despite determination from the mid court players to pull the game back after each quarter, the team came away with a narrow loss 5–7. The girls’ hard work paid off in a noteworthy week against King’s Taunton. Fantastic mid court action from Issy Vickery, Hannah Ruane, Anna Sugiura and Claudia Moldovan helped BGS secure a solid 24–12 win. Dedication and commitment to training saw Sunny McDonald and Kandara Acharya significant improvement in their netball ability. Well done to all the girls who represented the School so positively.

p Katherine Brimming

NETBALL  U13 ‘A’

P 6, L 6

Although this first season as a team was slightly rocky, with losses across all six games, our match results did not fully reflect our hard work and performance.

Our season highlight was the match against Royal High because, although the result wasn’t what we had hoped for, it was the best we played as a team. Sophie Russell was an amazing primary shooter who demonstrated excellent teamwork skills with Evie Willis Stovold, who also was the Year group’s ‘Most improved player’. Our main centre, Mya Burke, who ably partnered Imy Willis Stovold and Lara Osborne Jones, never grew tired running effortlessly up and down the court. We could always depend on the amazing versatility of Rosie Matheson and Indie Murray, who played anywhere from GK to GS. Finally, our defenders Maeve Griffiths and Gita Hosdurga were very consistent and definitely had a lot of ball time!

Throughout the season we never gave up fighting, keeping our spirits high and improving significantly, so we retain high hopes for next year.

p Maeve Griffiths

NETBALL  U13 ‘B’

P 7, W 4, L 3

This was a season of two halves. The first three matches against Clifton High, Redmaids’ and Kingswood ended in difficult losses, the girls losing possession too easily. As the girls regrouped, however, they put their thinking hats on and worked tirelessly in practice to secure four wins in the following games against King Edward’s, Monkton Combe, Colston’s and Royal High!

The girls performed particularly impressively against Colston’s and Monkton Combe, winning 16–4 and 20–13 respectively. These wins were testament to the girls’ determination and positivity as a team: they brought big smiles and energy to every practice and Saturday game.

Rozi Dickie made excellent progress with her footwork, while Nancy Robertson joined Emily Allard as a dependable goal scorer. Congratulations must also go to Jess Harvey, Saba Emami and Isla Stark for their work in centre court; energy levels across the team were fantastic and the improvements made in ‘short sharp passes’ and court positioning were exceptional. The ‘Players’ player’ award went to Saba Emami, and the ‘Coach’s player’ was Rozi Dickie.

p Megan Schofield

NETBALL  U13 ‘C’

P

6, W 4, L 2

After a successful start, beating Clifton High’s U13 ‘B’ team 10–4, the girls suffered losses against Redmaids’ and Kingswood. Nothing was going to break the resilience of our players, however, and the following match against King Edward’s School brought us a magnificent win 27–1! The girls were extremely humble, and played out of position during the game, yet nothing could stop Nancy Robertson and Abi Goodland from scoring copious goals. Credit must also be given to defenders Saskia Osborne Fitzgerald and Roisin Mac Ruairi, for their efforts in keeping KES at bay.

The girls were jubilant for the rest of the season, always turning up to practice and games with big smiles. They followed the KES win with wins against Colston’s School (16–4) and Royal High Bath (14–13). Throughout these games the girls played in different positions, demonstrating how they valued individual and team progression as much as they did a win. Soraya Rose Flint and Anna Howard worked tirelessly in centre court to keep energy levels up, while Thandar Glydon always kept us entertained with her big arms in defence! The ‘Players’ player’ award went to Saskia Osborne Fitzgerald and ‘Coach’s player’ was Anna Howard. Overall it was a fantastic season, preparing the girls to represent the School in the U14 teams next year.

p Megan Schofield

NETBALL

We played four fixtures Badminton and Clifton College but losing hard fought games to Kingswood and Redmaids’. A number of the pupils played up for other teams during the season, and all tried hard and trained well in Games and after School sessions. Poppy Low captained the team impressively, and they should all be congratulated for their efforts and commitment.

p Rhys Williams

NETBALL  U12 ‘A’

P 6, W 3

The ‘A’ team has shown great resilience and versatility this term. The girls played some very tough opposition and came away with some close losses and big wins. Sophie Yates, Hattie Ellis and Lara Holt shot exceptionally and between them scored ninety goals this season. All the girls have played a second position in a different court area, showing great teamwork. ‘Player of the season’ was Tilly Bending and ‘Coach’s player’ was Emily Preddy.

p Sarah Hardman

NETBALL  U12 ‘B’

P 6, W 1

The ‘B’ team have played well this term, coping with some tough matches against strong opposition. They loved being coached by gap year student India Monllor Domenech, and had great fun as a team. They did well to secure a win against Clifton College Prep early in the season when everyone was still learning positions. ‘Coach’s player’ was Isla Pepworth, and ‘Players’ player’ was Esther Robinson.

p Sarah Hardman

NETBALL  U12 ‘C’

P 4, W 1

The ‘C’ team played a few matches this term, highlights being a brilliant win against KES Bath and losing 4–5 to Monkton Combe ‘A’ team. They showed great versatility, playing without fixed positions, and with great competitive spirit. ‘Coach’s player’ went to Lorena Molyneux, and ‘Players’ player’ to Eva Wragg.

p Sarah Hardman

NETBALL  U12 ‘D’

P 2, W 1

The ‘D’ side was the only U12 team not to be beaten by Redmaids’, and they also got a convincing win against KES Bath. Many of the girls had not played netball before, so did very well to learn positions and play competitive matches so quickly. ‘Coach’s player’ was Ruby Spiteri, and ‘Players’ player’ Lulu Rayner.

p Sarah Hardman

GIRLS’ CRICKET  FIRST XI

It has been a momentous season: regular games with girls of all ages and experience rising to the challenge of competitive hardball matches.

We started with the first round of the hundred ball tournament against a very strong Clifton side. We lost, yet a strong team performance suggested great potential for the rest of the season. Thereafter we remained unbeaten across T20 fixtures against Wellington, Wycliffe, Colston’s, Cheltenham and Kingswood. Hannah Eastaugh Waring and Tilly Boss opened the bowling superbly, taking early wickets, especially in the opening over against Wellington where Tilly took two.

The middle overs were kept to a low run rate by Teresa Mejo, Serafina Comer, Liv Daniels and Ananya Shah. Millie Rosenior was exceptional in the field, with two catches: opening the bowling against Colston’s she took a wicket with the first ball of the game!

Laura Boyle kept excellently, supporting the team throughout. Sienna Haralambos was also influential, bowling in the middle overs and always keeping the team’s energy up.

We ended up chasing in all our games, often led by Zara Wolfenden and Alice Keyte: there was a superb 48* from Zara in the final game, against Kingswood. After losing early wickets against Cheltenham, Alice and Laura held their nerve with a match winning partnership that saw us over the line. Similarly, after losing early wickets against Cheltenham, Liv Daniels hit 52* with the help of girls from younger years who had kindly stepped into the team. The middle order batters – Laura, Sienna, Isla Comer and Anya Comer – proved influential in chasing opposition scores.

Next year we can look forward to more games, if more schools support girls’ cricket at a senior level. The potential shown by the younger girls is very exciting and promising. Big thanks go to all the teachers who supported the development of the girls’ First XI.

p Liv Daniels

GIRLS’ CRICKET  U15

We had an amazing season of U15 girls’ cricket this year, winning seven of seven games. The girls claimed brilliant victories over Clifton College, Wellington School and Redmaids’ High. Kitty Mathieson’s 16 overs at the crease in a tenacious battle to win against Clifton College really set the bar for the season, soon to be followed by some aggressive batting against Clifton High from Maddie Henderson and Steph Hamilton James.

Throughout the season, there were some incredible bowling performances from Sophie Maggs, Lucy Morling and Zoe Snelling, hitting the wickets every game. Our fielding really grew through the season, with some notable catches from Eleanor Canning, Lenki Szpojnarowicz and Isabelle Comins, that really helped the team to secure the wins. As well as that, Maddie Henderson was fearless behind the stumps, providing real consistency throughout the season.

Overall, this was a fantastic season for the team, and we are excited to continue into senior girls’ cricket.

p Kitty Mathieson and Steph Hamilton-James

GIRLS’ CRICKET  U14 ‘A’

The team had a tremendous season, and was undefeated all term. In seven matches our biggest wins were against Clifton College and KES. Our first match, against Clifton College, was a great way to start the season: we bowled them all out. In our match against KES we got a well deserved win despite playing with ten fielders. We beat Wellington by 70 runs and Kingswood by 81.

Our opening batters this term Khandi Decordova, Tessa Smith and Clodagh Faye Ashby have worked amazingly together, scoring runs while remaining consistent. Tessa even persevered through a torn ligament and was able to play all her matches. Our bowlers Isla Shepherd, Emma Wolfenden and Hannah Ruane have been great at keeping the runs down and scoring amazing wickets throughout the season.

Overall we had an amazing term and have worked really well together as a team, as our perfect match results reflect. We’re really grateful to Miss Rixon and all the parents for giving up their time to coach and support us as a team.

GIRLS’ CRICKET  U14 ‘B’

Winning all our nine matches, we had an amazing cricket season, coming close to losses once or twice but always being able to pull together as a team and emerge victorious. Of course, it isn’t all about winning; everyone in the team has improved massively and, throughout the season, a few additional people have joined our training sessions, gaining the confidence to try out cricket as a new sport.

Everyone got involved in applying the new techniques and tactics supplied by our brilliant coaches Miss Rixon, Michelle Hambly and Mrs Hainsworth. We focused mostly on our fielding, and definitely became quicker and better at stumping opposing batters out. Everyone enjoyed this cricket season so much, and I look forward to our next season, hoping to improve even more.

p Lottie Livingston

p Emma Wolfenden and Isla Shepherd

GIRLS’ CRICKET  U13 ‘A’

P 6, W 4, L 1, A 1

The girls brought an amazing attitude, great skill and rigour to the game, sixteen of us taking the opportunity to play hardball cricket over the course of the season. Our first match, against Clifton College, was a success: we won by four wickets. Mirre van der Werf stepped up and successfully kept for the girls, and Gita Hosdurga demonstrated some outstanding bowling.

Our next match, against KES, was another excellent display of teamwork, Annabelle Julier putting in an all around strong performance and Imy Willis Stovold bowling some terrific overs. One of our best matches came against Colston’s, when the entire team delivered. The strong opposition put up some great bowling and batting, but Bella Daniels taking two wickets helped lead us to victory, while Isla Stark stayed in for nearly a whole innings!

Unfortunately, our following match against Millfield was less successful: the team played aggressively some great catches, quick, agile fielding from Rozi Dickie, and a forty run partnership from Imy Willis Stovold and Indie Murray but the strong Millfield opposition put up a good fight, and BGS came out second. Nevertheless our following match, against Kingswood, was a come back, the opposition setting a challenging target of 109 that BGS chased down in sixteen overs, despite the wind. Gita led the way with the bowling, taking the stump with the first ball of the match, and Evie Willis Stovold and Mirre both retired on twenty runs not out to lead the chase.

I have been honoured to lead the U13 Girls ‘A’ team this season as a captain and player, and cannot wait to see what further seasons as a team hold. Well played, everyone!

p Indie Murray

GIRLS’ CRICKET  U13 ‘B’

P 7, W 5, L 2

This is a talented and eager group of girls, and well over twenty played at one time or another for the ‘B’ team. Piper Mabbs kept wicket brilliantly and her move to the ‘A’ team at the end of the season shows her determination and success. In Nancy Robertson and Dot Hawtin the team had its Root and Bairstow batters who were willing and able to hit out and beat the field. Sophie Russell, Saba Emami, and Anna Howard showed how to build an innings, even in pairs cricket.

The progress in bowling, however, was the story of the season. Isabel Canning was the most effective in this area figures of two for eight against Clifton College, and three for seven against Colston’s, demonstrate her success but others such as Saskia Osborne Fitzgerald stepped up, and the accuracy of bowling is progressing well.

Big victories against Clifton College, Kingswood, and King Edward’s Bath were highlights, but the game of the season from a spectator’s point of view was against Colston’s at Failand, where the girls hit an impressive 310 for five, only for the opposition to come very close, and indeed pass the target, whereupon a fine catch from Roisin Mac Ruairi gave Isabel Canning a wicket, and BGS the victory by two runs. It was an excellent season, and I look forward to further progress next season.

p Andy Keen

GIRLS’ CRICKET  U13 ‘C’

P 2, L 2

The success of U13 girls’ cricket is signposted by the number of Saturdays when we could easily have put out a skilled and eager team, only to be thwarted by weather or the lack of an opposition. Soraya Rose Flint’s captaincy in the first match of the season, against King Edward’s Bath, was the prelude to her ultimate rise to the ‘A’ team towards the end of the season; Poppy Low and Pernille Ntuk Idem batted in that match with fluency and verve, and had it not been for one opposition player hitting almost all the runs required, our team would have started with a comfortable win.

Anya Keen’s player of the match bowling and Rosie Perks’s cultured and fluent batting away at Millfield weren’t enough to pull off a shock win; the last Saturday saw a small number of available girls dodge the rain for an enjoyable and collaborative game with the Redmaids’ High girls, capping off an enjoyable season, despite what the statistics might suggest.

p Andy Keen

GIRLS’ CRICKET  U12 ‘A’

We played seven matches, winning four and losing three: a promising start, when few in our team had played cricket before. We were coached by the brilliant Miss Hardman, who was always encouraging and made it enjoyable.

We haven’t had much opportunity to gel, really, but the seasons to come are looking bright. In one of our earlier matches, against Colston’s, Lara Holt took three wickets and bowled extremely tightly, Maeve Allen scored 28 retired, Ilsa Errington scored 32 not out and Tilly Bending 24 not out. This was an exciting game, which we won by one sole run.

We have had some excellent fielding from Niamh Sheridan, who is not scared of the ball and sacrifices everything to stop it: impressive, at our level. But I can’t forget the three run outs we took against Kingswood, Ilsa never having kept wicket before this year.

We’re grateful for a great season, and look forward to next year.

p Tilly Bending

GIRLS’ CRICKET  U12 ‘B’

It was an impressive season for the U12 ‘B’ girls, many of whom had not played cricket before this year. They emerged victorious in fixtures against several of the other Bristol schools, including an 88 run win against Clifton High, a huge 140 run victory against Colston’s, and two wins against Redmaids’ High. They did however endure one defeat, losing a friendly against KES Bath by some 60 runs.

While their success helped make it an enjoyable season for all the players, such was their spirit and sense of fun, they would have enjoyed themselves, even if results had been less favourable. As it was, they made great progress in terms of developing their cricketing skills and their understanding of the game as the season went on. With so much enthusiasm and talent in the ‘B’ team, there is a bright future ahead for BGS girls’ cricket in this cohort. We hope they remain as enthusiastic to play and as keen to learn in the seasons to come. Well done girls.

GIRLS’ CRICKET  U12 ‘C’

While the team didn’t enjoy continual success this season, the girls all made excellent debuts in BGS cricket, especially considering they were novice cricketers. Their only taste of victory came in the opening fixture, when they beat KES Bath by six wickets. In the return fixture, away at Bath a fortnight later, the tables were turned however, with BGS falling to a ten wicket defeat.

This was followed by two more losses, with the team particularly disappointed to lose to Redmaids’ High in their final match, and so not to finish the season on a winning note. While they may not have gained the results they were hoping for, their enthusiasm for the game was always apparent and they developed as individuals and a squad as the season progressed. The girls should be proud of the spirit they showed throughout the season, and we congratulate them on their progress as cricketers. Keep it up girls!

RUGBY  FIRST XV

Our return to Rugby on the back end of a year written off by Covid saw a big squad of extremely eager lads kick off the season at Kingswood pre season festival. The team, impressive considering this early stage, started strongly, winning 41–5 and 38–17 against KES Bath and Kingswood respectively.

The team therefore entered the National Vase against QEH brimming with confidence and, after a slow start, went on to win 19–10. Away at King’s Taunton, we managed to come out 31–24 up after a tight tussle. Clifton College gave us one of our toughest games: they were 12–5 up at half time, but after a few sloppy errors we slumped, losing disappointingly at 31–10. The half term ended with a draw against QEH and a convincing 48–0 win against Marling in the Vase second round.

The second half term started with a 19–5 win against King’s Worcester, and a closely fought win against The Crypt school in the Vase. We suffered a heart breaking loss against a formidable Colston’s side, separated by only two points. Off the back of this came an uncharacteristic performance away at Blundell’s, where we lost 41–10.

After these tough games came a brilliant run, beating Pate’s GS 32–0 and RGS Worcester 31–7 in our Saturday fixtures, and an away Vase trip to Truro where we won 34–0 in tough conditions. But at Sutton Vallence, in the Vase quarter final, we were knocked out of the tournament in a closely fought game. Unfortunately, thanks to Covid, Monmouth had to cancel our last fixture.

After a brilliant season, big thanks go to Mr Corsi and Mr Williams for doing such a good job, and also to the parents who came and supported, week in week out.

p Joe Durie

RUGBY  SECOND XV

P 11, W 10; F 346, A 82

What an outstanding year of Second team Rugby! Having missed so much, thanks to Covid, it was a struggle getting any sort of organisation and flow early on. As the season progressed, however, the shape of the team got better and better.

The backs were well organised and showed some excellent running lines. At times, however, it was a struggle to get good clean ball from the forwards. Many of them were Lower Sixth and they were the most improved players, especially those who stood up to play front row.

Strangely one of our best efforts and performances was the only game we lost at home to Clifton College, when we very nearly beat them. As the term progressed, we went on to have an excellent set of results. The statistics (above) put us third in the country for Second team performance.

In terms of individual players we had a number who were in and out of the First team, depending on injuries and availability. Some outstanding Lower sixth boys will be moving up to First team next year. The three players from the Upper Sixth who played most games were Noah Pykett, Sammy Greenwood and Jack Potter. It was pleasing to see these three give so much commitment, especially Noah, our captain, who also won the Roger Cox Award for best clubman of the season. Well done to all; bring on next season!

RUGBY  U16 ‘A’

P 13, W 7, D 1, L 5; F 304, A 236

Much expectation surrounded this squad, and all should be satisfied that these expectations were met, and sometimes exceeded. Their fixture list offered a daunting selection of the area’s strongest Rugby schools; our players should be proud of their end of season results.

The ‘B’ team played some expansive Rugby in their four games, though occasionally hindered by difficulties in fielding fifteen players. This didn’t deter those who did commit: they played both 7s and 10s games that gave many of them the platform to push for ‘A’ team selection.

The ‘A’s started against a well drilled KES team, but solid defence and patience in attack brought them victory, 19–7. Clifton College proved too great an obstacle, but squad training was already enhancing cohesion and structure. They played the final game before half term, against QEH, on the First XV pitch in front of a large crowd at Failand, and despite resolute defence a last minute QEH try ensured a 14–14 draw a fair result considering both teams’ passion, and one that ensures an edge to future BGS/QEH fixtures.

Next came four straight victories against King’s Worcester, Colston’s, Blundell’s and RGS Worcester. In the season’s final game the team played some of their best Rugby away from home against an unbeaten Monmouth, ultimately coming up short, yet earning admiration from a crowd immensely impressed with BGS’s resolve and talent.

The squad has great potential, and it has been a pleasure to watch them grow as individuals and as a team. Captain Archie Oddy, notable for his maturity and leadership over the season, won ‘Players’ Player’ and ‘Back of the Year’. Fin Evans was ‘Forward of the Year’, Ollie Martin ‘Coach’s Player’, and Alex Eastman ‘Most Improved’.

The Rugby staff are hugely excited about what these players could collectively achieve in coming years.

p William Clark

RUGBY  U15 ‘A’ AND ‘B’

P 14, W 3, L 11; F 173, A 214

After a highly-attended pre-season we played KES Bath, who beat us last time: thanks to Jake Groves we ended strongly with a positive 24–12 loss. The ‘B’ team meanwhile beat KES 28–5. Against Kingswood we faced a strong side loaded with academy players; we fielded some less experienced boys including Adi Elan and Edward Rumley and fought hard, losing 35–12. The ‘B’ team fought a spirited attack from Kingswood, winning 22–19.

Against Marling, in the National Cup, Oliver Allard scored, but we went into the plate with a 24–5 loss. Then Covid abolished our King’s Taunton, Clifton, and QEH fixtures.

Against King’s Worcester Barney O’Brian scored, and Will Clayton Jones threw an outrageous dummy, but tackling let us down and we lost 35–12. The ‘B’ team’s game was cancelled. Against Colston’s we won 37–5, Freddie Troup scoring twice. The ‘B’ team played with mixed teams, because of player shortages, which wiped out their remaining fixtures. Luckily Morgan Clift, Luke Birch, Krystof Soukup Carne and Thomas Chapman all became prominent ‘A’ team members.

In a tough Blundell’s game we lost the first half 17–0, but claimed the second half 5–0 with a Josh Pickering try. Then we beat in a Baltic game with snow on the 43–7. On the BGS First pitch we beat RGS Worcester 26–10, with two interceptions from Oliver O’Dair. Thanks to a third round bye, we played the National plate fourth round, at Bryanston, losing a close game 19–14 after a brilliant Charlie Groombridge performance. We lost 36–8 to Monmouth, with début wingers Zach Coats and Louis Watson Roper. We enjoyed the season (particularly the Bryanston facilities and teas) and kept the mood positive and performances improving. Well done all, even those not personally mentioned, and thanks to our coaches.

Caleb Bonello

RUGBY  U14 ‘A’

In a difficult start we came off second best against Kingswood. A few cancelled fixtures later we came up against a strong King’s Taunton side, where our season really kicked off. A slow start saw us 3–1 behind, but a strong second half performance with some great team and individual tries making use of our kicking game saw us get level in a nail biting match. With the last play of the game the team snatched a memorable victory. Two difficult fixtures against a new Clifton side and a good Blundell’s team saw us learn our strengths and weaknesses. We took those lessons into our next games.

Next came Colston’s, where a good start from the boys saw us go two ahead. After some dubious decisions, we were level at half time. A try apiece in the second half saw us going level into the last five minutes, where annoyingly Colston’s snatched a late winner. After that, against Pate’s Grammar, a convincing win saw us capitalise on mistakes and implement lessons learnt previously from other sides.

After that came the QEH game, a low point in the season. Hampered by a series of key injuries, we struggled to take our form and confidence into the local rivals, and came a distant second. Lastly, we fielded a mixed ‘A’ and ‘B’ team for a friendly mixed game with Monmouth: in an entertaining day of Rugby they took the win with a full strength team, against which we fought back well after a good start.

Overall, we played a tough but rewarding season under Mr Lacey, whom we thank for his never say die attitude and continued fervent support.

p Alex Cleary, Archie Millier, Felix Bending

RUGBY  U14 ‘B’

P 8, W 1, L 7; F 95, A 321

The team had a difficult season, yet a number of boys developed well in their return to Rugby after the Covid break. They struggled with the physicality of some opponents, but always battled hard, losing narrowly to King’s Taunton, Colston’s and QEH. They recorded an excellent win against Pate’s, which was testament to the hard work they put in over the season.

Rafe Taylor was particularly impressive and deserved many of his call ups to the ‘A’ team. If the rest of the team continue to work on their strength and conditioning, they will make further progress next season.

p Rhys Williams

RUGBY U13 ‘A’

Without much experience we faced our first match, against KES Bath, with heads up. After a long, brutal battle KES produced some strong attacking Rugby, and won 20–10. Next we tackled Kingswood, knowing they were strong, and lost 30–20. Then Sir Thomas Rich’s beat us 40–25, thanks to their attacking skills.

Next came a triangular tournament with Millfield and King’s Hall. The weather wasn’t on our side it was perfect for ducks and we lost both games, despite putting up a good fight. We then played Clifton and King’s Worcester, both with strong defences and attack: unfortunately we lost 30–10 to both.

We faced Colston’s away, after a week’s break to work and improve our play: it paid off and we beat a strong side 30–25. Playing Kingswood again, away, we won 25–15 and felt we were on a roll. Similarly, we played attacking Rugby against Pate’s, winning 25–15. Local rivals QEH gave us a close game. At half-time it was a tense 15–15, but sadly we conceded at the very start of the second half, then collapsed, losing 30–15.

Against Haberdasher’s Monmouth we conceded four tries quickly, but Hartley Colbourne-Brown made it 20–5 at half-time. Substitute Leo Merrifield scored amazingly, twice, making it 20–15, then Harry Holt scored too. Soon it was 40–40, with five minutes left: unfortunately we lost.

Despite winning only a handful of games, we had a successful season and improved lots: we are excited for the future. As well as great performances from the team, there was excellent work from scrum-half Salvador Errington, sterling defence from Alex Goodwin-Lyon and Ivo Thomas, and fine runs from Hartley and Leo Pugh, as well as amazing assistance and leadership from Harry Holt, our vice-captain.

p Callum Johnstone

RUGBY U13 ‘B’

P 9, W 2, D 2, L 5; F 141, A 273

The team made good progress across the season, particularly after not having played competitive Rugby the year before, owing to Covid. They drew 30–30 with KES Bath in their first game, a really impressive performance. After a couple of defeats to strong teams they recorded their first victory, against Clifton College.

Another draw came against Kingswood, but a victory against Colston’s demonstrated the talent in the team. Bobby Pendrell and Sam Beschay worked really hard in the forwards all year, and Red Hall and Billy Butterfield performed well in the backs. Well done to all the boys involved.

p Rhys Williams

RUGBY U13 ‘C’

A mix of players, some new to the sport and some more experienced, enjoyed the season, winning two, conceding four, and losing many games to Covid.

We won 10 tries to 4 against KES Bath thanks to five tries from Lohith Kirubashankar, and one apiece from Luca Revell , Matthew Clayton , Wilf Hargreave , Dylan Routh Elmes and Rufus Comer. Everyone contributed in attack, defence or ploughing through defenders, and key tackles came from Luca and Huzaifah Ashraf. Consequently some players moved up to the ‘B’ and ‘A’ teams, and Kingswood School comfortably beat us although Yousaf Raza and Huzaifah continued their steady improvement and Matthew showed what a menace he could be.

In a rain-soaked triangular tournament at Millfield our team was reduced by Covid and we were forced to borrow players to make up numbers. But next came a glorious game against Clifton Prep where Cristiano Firth showed his potential. Clifton scored a couple of speedy tries, then we rallied

with two in quick succession. Thereafter BGS was unstoppable and dominated the rest of the first half. We started to focus on teamwork and developing our passing game, reaping great rewards and excellent tries from many players, improving our team spirit. While Clifton made a good effort, BGS emerged victorious!

We ended by going down 7 tries to 11 in a high-scoring game against Colston’s. Even two men down we often managed to break their defence. At the outset BGS conceded tries we could have defended, but in the second half we caught up and played very well. More of the inexperienced players grew into the game. Tom Homer received the pass and ran past their entire defence and Rufus, Henry Dunnill and Leo Griffiths made great improvements in defence, making try-saving tackles.

p The players of the matches over the season

RUGBY U12 ‘A’

P 10, W 9, L 1; F 320, A 178

The team had a fantastic first season in the Senior School. Thanks to Covid they had to play with U11 regulations, which meant they were limited to nine a side. Despite this, they displayed excellent dedication, work rate and commitment throughout the season.

In their first two games, against KES Bath and Kingswood, they played with an intensity in attack and defence that made it really difficult for their opposition. Their only defeat came against Millfield Prep quite early in September. The Millfield team were very strong and it was a good lesson in how to manage the contact area. As a result of this game, their rucking throughout the rest of the season improved dramatically.

Other notable victories came against Monmouth and Colston’s. Both these games were quite closely contested, but by this time the team had developed a togetherness and willingness to work hard for each other, which meant they prevailed. In the Spring term, they won the Bristol Schools’ U12 7s, defeating Colston’s again in the final with an excellent last-gasp try from Artin Nejabati.

It is incredibly difficult to pick out individuals, as there were so many good performances over the season: Barney Woodhouse’s performance against Monmouth, however, was particularly impressive. The team was well led by captain Max Baigent and although it was only nine a side, it was pleasing that eighteen boys represented the ‘A’ team during the season.

The boys have all made an excellent start to their Rugby careers at BGS and if they continue to work hard they have the potential to continue their success and enjoyment as they move through the School.

p Rhys Williams

RUGBY U12 ‘B’

P 10, W 3, L 7;

F 143, A 166

In early September, at home to KES Bath, the U12 ‘B’s made an excellent start to the season, Sid Patil and Will Moffatt being ‘Players of the Match’. The second match came against Kingswood, where the boys worked hard to secure another win: Olly Woolford scored three tries, achieving ‘Player of the Match’. Eddie Pullin put in a ‘Player of the Match’ performance against a strong Millfield team, keeping his head up and motivating his team to keep working hard. Next, we came up against a well-drilled Clifton Prep team: Will Burrows played well, and Ned Downing and Jed Abell captained the side, demonstrating integrity throughout.

In November we travelled to King’s Worcester, where the encounter was set to be a close one. Kit McClellan and Eddie Pullin were captaining this game, and the scoreline went back and forth throughout the fixture. Aadi Prasath, Angus Ward and Jacob Johnston were three new players who had not played much Rugby before this season. Jack Bradley made excellent decisions throughout, and achieved the ‘Player of the Match’ award. Against Colston’s, Noah Wragg and Ted Dorbin stepped up to captain the side, and put in two excellent performances. The final two games of the season were tightly-fought contests against RGS Worcester and Haberdasher’s Monmouth, where the team showed off the progress they have made this year passing the ball wide, making low tackles, and sustaining pressure.

It has been an excellent first season of senior school Rugby for the U12s: many were playing for the first time, some stepped up to the ‘A’ team, and most had the opportunity to captain the side.

p Ann Webb

RUGBY U12 ‘C’

P 9, W 6, D 1, L 2

The team had a thrilling start to the season with a 75–20 win against KES Bath and a 65–5 win against Kingswood. Proceeding from strength to strength, they won all their matches before the half-term break. One highlight was when they came from 0–15 down against Millfield to draw the match 15–15. It was great to see the grit and determination as teammates rallied each other to pull off this comeback. An unbeaten season was on the horizon, yet with two games left the team had their first taste of defeat.

Congratulations to Tarang Vora, who won ‘Player of the Season’. It’s been an absolute pleasure to coach this team this season: BGS Rugby has a promising future with this yeargroup coming up through the School. I look forward to seeing how they progress.

p Dheeran Canagarajah

RUGBY 7S

After a two-year break it took some readjusting to find a rhythm, but all teams worked hard. The U14s had their first tournament experience at Dean Close, reaching the plate final. Alex Cleary Cuellar is one to watch, and Harry Clark worked tirelessly throughout. In a formidable group at the Rosslyn Park National 7s they demonstrated plenty of learning and development.

The U13s played well in the Bristol Schools’ tournament, going out in the semi-finals to the eventual winners. Hartley Colbourne-Brown demonstrated some highly evasive running, and seemed to be scoring at will. Our U12s had only the one tournament, but showed real character, winning the Bristol Schools’ 7s, Barney Woodhouse leading from the front.

Our U16s were busy in tournaments, winning the West of England Shield after a long day of increasingly impressive play, beating Sherborne in a closely-contested final during which Will Gallagher scored twice. At Rosslyn Park the U16s won their first two games, setting up a group decider with Berkhamsted; despite a notable performance from captain Felix Duckworth, they came away second best.

The U18s made the Plate Final vs QEH at the Colston’s tournament, playing great Rugby all day. At the Wycliffe tournament they avenged that Plate Final loss vs QEH, and came back from behind to beat a talented Dean Close team. At Rosslyn Park, the team topped their group with fine performances from Freddie Earnshaw and excellent finishing by Jacob Badman and Louis Nancekivell. Heartbreakingly they lost the Vase playoff vs Leeds in the game’s last moments. In the Bowl tournament, injuries took their toll, and they were knocked out of the tournament by a well-drilled Scottish team who went on to win.

Players have demonstrated great rigour, worked hard, and can only be commended. We look forward building on strong foundations next season.

p Jamie Corsi

BOYS’ HOCKEY  FIRST XI

Since Covid hampered the return of First XI hockey for 2021, the boys were very eager to get out on the pitch in 2022. This enthusiasm was shown by a strong run in the indoor pre season, where the team managed to make it all the way through to indoor Nationals, securing seventh place: not bad for a first entry into the competition!

On the backs of this accomplishment the team managed an unbeaten Saturday fixture campaign where we played eight, won seven and drew one. Sadly we had an earlier exit in our outdoor National Cup run, narrowly losing on sudden death penalty flicks to a strong Taunton side.

For all the Upper Sixths it was an honour to get a chance to represent the School again and finish on a high. Also we knew we were leaving the team in good hands, as many younger players made their débuts during the term. It was an amazing season, one the boys will not forget with promising prospects upcoming and many lasting memories made.

p Jakob Szpojnarowicz

BOYS’ HOCKEY  SECOND XI

P 9, W 4, D 3, L 2

A strong and enjoyable season started with a 3–1 win against Dean Close and a close fought one all draw to Millfield. Both games featured goals from striker Nelson Venables, who led the forwards into some great attacking play throughout the season. With two games to go until half term we were eager to maintain an unbeaten record. Excellent defence led by Cam Livingstone and some solid saves in goal from Hugo Sylvester gave us our only clean sheet of the season, a 1–0 victory against KES. We maintained our unbeaten run until an away trip to King’s Taunton, where some difficult periods of play meant we faced our first loss, but kept our heads held high. We took on some keen players from the Third XI for the final few games, extra numbers that helped us end the season with a draw and a win away to King’s Gloucester.

Nelson Venables took the award for ‘Top goal scorer’, helped out in attack by Joshua Round, who finally received a much deserved goal in the last game. Meanwhile Will Jones, Aidan Porrit and Adam Smith all put in great effort to maintain possession in the middle of the pitch. Our defence kept any defeats to a low score, and was instrumental in many of our close victories. Rufus Ward made some game saving tackles, while Joe Preddy and Ben Hawkins started some great counter attacks from the wings.

It was a fantastic season, and all the players should be congratulated for their commitment and effort. Good luck to all the Upper sixth boys with any hockey they continue to play, and special thanks to Mr Short for putting up with us each week.

p Will Jones

BOYS’ HOCKEY  U15 ‘A’

The U15s had a difficult start to the season with several losses to strong Millfield and King Edward’s teams in the Saturday fixtures, but a win against Katharine Lady Berkeley’s in the first round of the National Cup gave us optimism for the season to come. Yet in the second round of the cup, at King’s Bruton, we were unfortunate to lose narrowly on penalty flicks. Our next match was at Taunton and, despite losing, the team showed signs of progress with periods of good hockey.

The season highlight came the following week against King’s Taunton: after a tough contest, in which we did well to keep our heads, we were losing 4–3 in the closing minutes. After winning a short corner we managed, in what turned out to be the last play of the game, to convert and pull off a dramatic comeback to earn a well deserved draw.

Against Kingswood we struggled to find our usual rhythm, and suffered a frustrating 2–1 loss. Despite this we managed to pick ourselves back up and finish the season with two convincing 3–1 wins against Colston’s and King’s Gloucester.

It has been a challenging season but one in which everyone has shown lots of improvement; it bodes well for Senior hockey in coming years.

p Henry Williams

BOYS’ HOCKEY  U15 ‘B’

The team had a good season, recording three wins from six matches, scoring twenty goals. All the players enjoyed developing skills in their respective positions, and improving every week.

We started off the season with a 2–1 win against Millfield. The defence showed strength, and quickly cleared the ball to the wing, shifting the play to attack which allowed us to score two high paced goals thanks to Dan Ababio and Louis Watson Roper.

Throughout our next few games we played well and our midfield worked hard, particularly Ben Branston, who provided a great work rate up and down the pitch, winning challenges defensively and also scoring two goals this season. He was unanimously voted ‘Player of the season’. Kai Grout Zalewski made many successful tackles and sustained a reliable defence for the team, and Adi Elan our top scorer, with a great number of goals throughout the season showed his skills when needed.

In our 4–1 victory over King’s College all the players performed well and worked together as a team to secure a great win: Ern Abedin assisted with two passes and a fast through ball, enabling Adi Elan to score two goals. We finished our season with a well earned 9–0 victory against Colston’s, in which Adi Elan and Bert Abedin scored six goals between them: a great game to conclude the season.

Thank you to Mr Phillips for coaching the team, and well done to all the boys for their efforts. Good luck in Senior hockey next year.

p Ern Abedin

BOYS’ HOCKEY  U14 ‘A’

We went into 2022 with high hopes, well rested after a good Christmas break. Our first game was against Dean Close, and the 4–1 win brought lots of confidence to our team. We went into the County tournament with a strong squad, knowing we had a win behind us, and played well, going through to the next round. We came up against a very strong Millfield team, and came away empty handed: the unlucky loss knocked our confidence.

Our next game was against KES, a team of a similar standard to ours, and we were all slightly disappointed to come away with nothing more than a draw. Next came the Regional tournament where we excelled against some strong teams and got knocked out in the semi finals. On a run of unlucky matches against strong squads, ours tired.

The penultimate match of the season was a heated grudge match against King’s Gloucester, who had knocked us out of the tournament. This ended in a draw, though we deserved to win. We ended the season on a great game for the ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams with two wins against Colston’s, thanks to our top scorer, Paul Walther.

Overall this has been a great season, with quality coaching from Mr Thompson and Dheeran Canagarajah, who have always been there for us: we couldn’t have done it without you! We are looking forward to a positive season next year.

p Felix Bending and Oscar Edey

BOYS’ HOCKEY  U14 ‘B’

In a tough season the boys came up against some of the best sporting schools in the country. Nonetheless we worked well as a team, coming out with some well deserved wins. We started the season with a slight lack of experience, thanks to Covid’s abolition of Year 8 hockey. This gave us an unfortunate disadvantage yet, working well as a team, we managed a few games in which it was limited to a single goal. This included the 1–0 loss to Taunton where Jacob Sellers, Jamie Robinson and Daniel Kelly led the team. At King’s College we were off to an amazing start thanks to Harry Clark’s incredible reverse shot. In defence Jack Lewis, Jack Delahoy, Ben Vanstone and Ishaan Kumar kept a clean sheet, giving us our first victory of the season.

After facing a few outstanding sides we played our most intense match, against Colston’s. This was our most attack based game, and George Downing scored aided by the passing plays among Jack Harvey, Harry Down and Ruhan Dayal giving us another dominating win. This great season shows a lot of promise for next year’s hockey.

Delahoy

BOYS’ HOCKEY  U13 ‘A’

P 18,

W 12, D1, L5; F 56, A 32

We started the season well, against Millfield, a very tough opponent, coming out with a 3–1 win. Then came the first round of the National cup, in which we beat Katharine Lady Berkeley’s School 7–5, Hartley Colbourne Brown having scored five. Against Taunton in the third round we unfortunately lost 7–4.

In the County cup we won four games, against Prior Park 4–0, against KES Bath 7–2, against Clifton 5–0, and against KES again (winning only 1–0); we drew against Kingswood. In the end we came second overall, on goal difference, and went forward to the Regionals.

Tournament hockey gave way to House hockey, which Scott’s won overall. Then in the Regionals our first game was against Dumpton, a very good side whom we managed to beat 2–0. We also played well against The Downs School, winning 4–0. Our final group match was against Queen’s Taunton, and we won 2–1. In the quarterfinals we managed to beat a very strong Taunton side 3–1, scraping though to the semi finals in which we played KLB, a strong team: we were two up with five minutes left when they scored twice, to win. Our last game, against King’s Gloucester, yielded a close 4–3 victory to BGS.

Overall, then, a great season for the Year 8 Boys’ ‘A’ team.

p Salvador Errington

BOYS’ HOCKEY  U13 ‘B’

We started the season with an eleven a side match, in which we were unfortunately beaten 3–0 by a very strong Millfield side. We lost our next match too, against Dean Close Prep, but worked well as a team, holding the score to 2–1. Our first win was 3–1 against Katharine Lady Berkeley’s School.

Unluckily we then lost to a very strong KES Bath side: it was very close until half time, but then we conceded five and scored one. Our fourth loss of the season was against Taunton, 2–0, but our second win was against King’s Hall 4–0. Very well done to all who played in this match!

We managed to hold Kingswood to a 2–2 draw, playing well and scoring two in the first half, yet losing our touch in the second half, conceding two. In a 2–0 win against Colston’s we played excellently, not least Sam Beshay, who ended up in goal, as our normal keeper was not available. We played to an extremely high standard again against King’s Gloucester, and won 3–2, concluding an outstanding season with tremendous effort on all sides. We can’t wait for the next!

p Leo Margetts

BOYS’ HOCKEY  U13 ‘C’

P 4, W 2, D 1, L 1; F 7, A 3

For most of the players, this season was our first chance to play matches against other schools, thanks to last year’s pandemic. The first game against Millfield, a school known to have good sporting teams ended in a 1–1 draw: they scored first, but in the last few moments of the game Lohith Kirubashankar smashed the ball into the back left of the goal. Against King Edward’s Bath we won 2–1. Our first loss was against Stonar School; it was 0–0 at half time, but despite many opportunities Will Woodman’s beautiful passing skills got past their defence we just couldn’t secure a goal. Our defence was like an iron wall, but near the end of the game, when some of us were tired, Stonar just about got through our defence, and just about scored. It was an extremely tight game, but well played on Stonar’s side.

Our best game, against The King’s School, ended in a 4–0 win for us which was good, as King’s had been undefeated in their previous three games.

This was an amazing season for us, and we can’t wait for next season! Now we know how interschool matches feel, we shall strive to work harder, and try to win all our games!

p Huzaifah Ashraf

BOYS’ HOCKEY  U12 ‘A’

P

6, W 1, D 1, L 4; F 17, A 36

The U12s had a great season of ups and downs, but overall really enjoyed it. We had a strong advantage with our striker Barny Woodhouse and our goalkeeper Artin Nejabati, but everyone played extremely well. The following boys represented the ‘A’ team: Ned Downing, Freddy Allen, Kit McClellan, Artin, Josh Starke, Jack Wesley, Barny, Ben Gorin, Noah Wragg, Max Baigent, Jonas O’Brien and Arthur Ruane.

We kicked off with a tense game with Millfield, coming out 7–7. After that we didn’t win anything for a while, but at the County tournament we had a great time and played well. It started with a draw, then two wins, but sadly we didn’t win the final game not too upsettingly as we were still going to the Regionals. The next two matches were against strong Taunton and King’s Hall sides, and we got beaten quite heavily. In the Regionals we had a great time but sadly came last, though the U12 girls did really well and came second.

Our next game was against Kingswood, where we had a taste of playing eleven a side instead of seven . They were a well drilled team, against whom we unluckily lost by a couple of goals despite playing a good game. The last game was against King’s Gloucester, which we expected to be tough because we had lost to them in the Regionals. We played our best game yet, managing to score three goals in the first half, ending on a 3–2 win in a brilliant performance.

Overall we had an enjoyable and excitable season, that ended on a positive note, and that everyone enjoyed. I should just like to say ‘thank you’ to Miss Ripley, Miss Rixon, Olly Thompson and Dheeran Canagarajah, who helped out a lot.

p Arthur Ruane

BOYS’ HOCKEY  U12 ‘B’

P6, W2, D1, L3; F 8, A 9

We played well this term. Our first game, a 4–2 win against Millfield, was a great start for the team. Next came a very close draw against Dean Close. Sadly thanks to lockdown three of our games were cancelled, but we beat Taunton 2–1.

We lost our last three games, but against Kingswood the margin was only one goal. Our best game was probably against Taunton, where we all played well. Thanks to all the team and the excellent coaches for helping us to do so well.

p Orlando Comins

BOYS’ HOCKEY  U12 ‘C’

P 6, W 4, D 1, L 1; F 15, A 7

I am very proud of the ‘C’ team this season. One of our best matches was against Taunton (3–0), where, as goalie, I was almost completely useless, since the defence was so good and the strikers were always pushing.

One of our closest matches was 4–3 against Dean Close: all the goals were scored in the second half, and it was almost a draw every time we scored, they would score a minute later but we pulled through at the end and won.

Overall I think we did very well this season, with only one loss. I hope to do just as well or better next season.

p Ben Clamp

BOYS’ HOCKEY  U12 ‘D’

P 3, W 2, L 1; F 4, A 2

We played really well this season: everyone worked really hard together, on and off the pitch, in games and training. We scored lots of goals by playing as a team, and with everyone participating. Unfortunately some of our games had to be cancelled thanks to Covid and other circumstances but, of the matches we did play, we won two convincingly and lost one by a small margin.

Our first game of the season and, for many of us, our first ever hockey game, was against Millfield Prep. It was challenging, but we came out with a 4–2 win, and Harry Tolfree scored a hat trick. Against Dean Close U12 ‘C’ we attacked well, scoring six goals to win the match. We played an internal match against the U12 BGS ‘C’ team, which we unfortunately lost 3–1, but it was a closely contested match and everyone played well.

A particular mention should go to Harry Tolfree, George Sanderson, Harry Rajakaruna and both our goalkeepers, Harry Reeves and Jacob Johnston. A special thanks go to all the coaches who trained us and helped out with all the fixtures.

p Jamie Livingston

FOOTBALL  FIRST XI

P 14, W 4, D 2, L 8; F 32, A 46

The younger Year 11 members of the Senior squads who played the last BGS football fixtures before the hiatus are now regular ‘elder statesmen’ of the First XI. A tricky ISFA Cup fixture kicked things off: we lost 2–1 to Milton Abbey in September, but the side showed great promise. The remainder of the term saw two wins, a draw and a loss, lots of magic and a few moments of madness!

In the Spring term inconsistency was our biggest opponent. We started with a 4–2 victory against King’s Worcester, playing twenty minutes with only ten players. As captain, Kris Syrpis led the team through dedication, reliability, and commitment, both on and off the pitch. His tenacity was complemented by Tom King and Kian Emami, who worked tirelessly to hassle and hound opponents, and Barnaby Linstead’s creativity and eye for a slide rule pass.

Results were varied, as the squad struggled to take their good form from one game to the next, often because of injury and mixed availability. Goalkeeping was shared between Kosta Burgess, who quickly adapted his international style to suit the British game, and Ollie Martin, who relished the chance to develop his skills. Upper Sixths Jake Morris, Matt Jones and Noah Pykett played confidently as a unit, often quickly turning defence into attack. Exciting wingbacks

Charlie Blunden, Nicholas Pestell and Christian McMullan created chances for the forwards, and Max Hodgson and Izaak Haines both justified their call ups from the Second XI to become regular starters. In attack Ollie Hamilton James, Charlie Brennan and Will Gallagher shared most goalscoring duties for the squad, including a hat trick on his début for Will.

The coaching team give their best wishes to the Upper Sixths who are moving on, hoping they continue playing and enjoying the sport beyond BGS.

p David Ruck

FOOTBALL  SECOND XI

W 5, D 2, L 3

It was great to be back playing competitive fixtures this year, and with five wins out of six in the opening games the Second XI was off to a flying start. A highlight was the 2–1 win against QEH in the second game back, traditionally one of the most difficult block fixtures we play.

Tejas Ramanan captained the side from the position of centre back with consistently strong performances, playing with an air of calm that settled the side. Izaak Haines, Billy Smith and Alex Seferidis dictated the play through the middle of the field. Matt Ashworth was an ever present threat in the final third, running tirelessly at the opposition’s back four, and taking the ‘golden boot’ for the term with eight goals. Tom Talbot, Jake Ribeiro and Cam Taylor added to the tally with twelve goals between them.

The second half of the season was harder fought. Several of the Year 11s who had put in consistently strong performance in the opening games got their call up to the Firsts, and injuries in key positions meant a restructuring across the pitch. Adjusting to the new shape, the squad gave their all, and while some of the results were less favourable than those of earlier fixtures, all involved were able to reflect positively on the term and on the progress they made as a group of players. Many thanks to all the Upper Sixth involved in the squad: we wish you good luck for the future in your footballing careers.

p Richard Jervis

FOOTBALL THIRD XI

P 8, W 1, D 1, L 6

The third team had a good year, gradually improving their scores: the leadership shown by captain Sam Goodwin Lyon had a very positive impact on the rest of the team. The team also benefited from the substantial and consistent contribution of other students from the Upper Sixth who made their mark on the season, contributing a lot to the spirit of the team. Furthermore, there have been very promising contribution from students in younger years as well. Year 10’s Felix Reid left his mark in goal: his energy and motivation helped lift team spirit when it was most needed, alongside his many outstanding performances in keeping the opponents away from the goal.

It has been nice to see how all students improved their football skills throughout the season, and how eager the younger ones are to carry on the path traced by their older companions. We look forward to seeing the third team collect more positive results next year, using the same enthusiasm and dedication shown so far.

p Antonio Moraca

FOOTBALL U15

The U15s had a great season, showing great teamwork and resilience. Our first fixture came against Milton Abbey in the ISFA Cup. It was the first game for this squad in a while, and silly errors led to two goals. Inspired by two goals from captain Dan Ababio, and a wonder strike from Sam Mamour, we displayed a great turnaround, winning the game 5–2 and progressing to the next round.

In a gritty fixture against Marlborough we were 2–0 down again at half-time. Led by Henry Britton we gained solidity at the back; great saves from Felix Reid boosted morale. With some tactical shifts and great Year 9 energy, we regained our form and won 4–2.

We faced our toughest oppositions against Winchester College, in the third round (a first for any BGS team). For the third game running we were two goals down at half-time, but to a much tougher opponent. With determination and teamwork, our clinical attackers Ollie O’Dair and Alex Cleary Cuellar used their speed to pose a great threat. With ten minutes left we were still a goal behind, but a set-piece goal brought us level, and a last-minute winner sealed the victory. Our Cup journey ended in the last sixteen, to a strong Hampton team, but we fought till the last minute.

We continued to play with high spirits in a thrilling fixture against Monmouth, who ended as 3–2 winners. Our next game was a 2–0 win against local rivals Clifton High, thanks to Ollie Bywater’s goals. Finally, against QEH, and a few players down, we persevered, but the opposition were the stronger side.

We should like to thank the five Year 9s who stepped in for us, and Mr Mitchell and Mr Lacey for coaching us throughout the season.

p Daniel Ababio

FOOTBALL U14

It was a great season. We won our first match, against Clifton High, by a staggering 11–1, thanks to a Jacob Sellers hat-trick and an outstanding performance from Tommy Bell. Our second fixture was against a physical side from Haberdasher’s Monmouth, in which we were winning 2–0 by half time, yet lost to an unfortunate lastminute goal from Monmouth.

We are now preparing and looking forward to the ISFA U15 Cup next year.

p Harry Down

FOOTBALL U13

P 4, W 3, L 1

We started the season with a strong home win against a good Clifton College side. We went 4–0 up, with some good goals, including a great strike from Will Woodman, before Clifton brought one back in the second half. Next up, we faced a very strong Clifton High team: we were two goals down before a brace from Charlie Shepherd, and one from Tom Homer, put us in front. At the very end Clifton High had a great chance to equalise, yet an incredible save from Flynn Webster in goal secured us our second win of the campaign.

We were eager to win our third game of the season, but a crushing defeat by QEH left us with our first loss. Our strong team bounced back, however, ready to play Millfield. We were eight goals up by halftime, including a great finish from Hartley Colbourne-Brown, but Millfield re-grouped and played a strong defensive team, to leave us with no goals in the second half. We ended the season with a result in our favour. Special mentions go to Joe Armitage, who controlled the midfield, and to Leo Pugh, who defended well throughout the campaign.

p Dominic Roberts

FOOTBALL U12

The U12s had a fascinatingly see-saw season this year by way of an introduction to senior-school football. The ‘A’ team’s first match, against Millfield, provided an intense challenge and the team produced an excellent first half of football, going ahead from a goal by captain George Sanderson and a sterling defensive performance led by Freddie Allen in a very close competition. Unfortunately, the second half swung in Millfield’s favour: they came out 6–1 winners. The team could, however, reflect on many promising signs as a burgeoning force in their first competitive game against very strong opposition.

The following fixture was against the U13 ‘B’ Clifton College Prep team, whom BGS put to the sword with a clinical display of smooth passing, finishing and commitment in an imposing 11–2 victory. Allen, Edward Murphy, Ollie McCann, Harry Janssen, Leo Blake were all on the scoresheet, and Sanderson netted five goals.

The final game of the season saw both the ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams up against two very impressive QEH teams, invaluably experiencing competition against some players from premier league and championship junior academies. After a very challenging first half in which they fell behind by five goals, the ‘A’ team showed exceptional determination, resilience and football skills, ultimately losing the game 3–8 after drawing the second half three-all in their most impressive performance of the season.

The ‘B’ team came out second-best, in what was sadly their only fixture of a disrupted season, but with exceptional enthusiasm and team spirit. All the pupils are relishing the chance to return to football next year as U13s and to continue representing their School in an exemplary manner.

p Jack Williams

BOYS’ CRICKET  FIRST XI

The First XI cricket team had a mixed season that saw them build in confidence as a team and grow as a group. The season started with a couple of losses against tough opposition in Kingswood and Taunton, but the team showed that it was most certainly lessons learnt as they bounced back to win three on the trot. The first was a cup win away at QEH where Joe Durie led the way with the bat giving BGS an unassailable lead. This was followed by a fixture against KES Bath where George Britton hit his first BGS century, leading the team to an 80 run win.

The team were then in the next round of the cup where they came up against Colston’s School. Our opponents put up a tough challenge, but the team fronted up with a fantastic all round display to get through to the next round. However, we then came up against a strong Dean Close side where, despite a battling performance, we went down to a five wicket defeat.

We also had our Derby fixture against neighbours QEH at Failand, where another good bowling performance restricted the opposition to 121 all out, before we were able to chase the runs down with just four wickets lost .

The side then came up against a tough Monmouth side with numerous high calibre performers. Despite a fantastic individual performance by Toby Smith who finished with 3 wickets and 47 runs, the team fell short and lost by 49 runs.

Our final regular fixture of the season was against Queen’s Taunton, as our Sir Thomas Rich fixture was rained off. A fantastic bowling and fielding performance restricted Queen’s to 148 all out. BGS chased down this score with only two wickets lost, ending our main season with a win.

The season finished with a tour to Devon, where our first tour game started with a 4 x 100m relay in the school’s sports day, where the team came in second. However, in the cricket, we were a comfortable first, winning the game with a professional performance.

The tour finished with a fantastic game against Exeter School. BGS set Exeter a score of 203 to chase, with George Britton once again hitting a half century. The Exeter team were working their way towards the total before a wonderful run out by Jakob Szpojnarowicz and then an impressive four wicket haul for Joseph Boyle turned the game

A massive thank you to Mr Blackburn and Mr Canagarajah who worked tirelessly with this group across the season, and for Mark Weale and Joe Durie for leading the team with such aplomb.

p Tom Lacey

BOYS’ CRICKET  SECOND XI

The team had a tough season, with respect to results, yet all involved really enjoyed their cricket. The sole win of the season was a Friday night game against Colston’s, in which Tom King and Gabe Scudder put on a strong partnership, and won comfortably.

p Cam Livingstone

BOYS’ CRICKET  THIRD XI

We had a short but enjoyable season, unfortunately losing all three games by narrow margins. In our first home game, against Clifton, we were set 150, falling to 100 for 8. Strong efforts from Joe Boyle and Arjun Jain put pressure back on Clifton but we fell short by ten narrow runs. Our second home game, against Taunton, was a high scoring one: the boys were set two hundred to chase. After three quick wickets fell, Ollie King and Will Gouldsmith put on a hundred partnership, both batsmen scoring 50s. Quick runs from Tom Shore and Arjun led to a strong chase, but we missed out by five runs.

Our final game, against Clifton, was played on the Close, where Clifton again set 150. The efforts of Gabe Scudder and Harry Boss gave us a chance, but we lost by twenty runs.

p Arjun Jain

BOYS’ CRICKET  U17

After a defeat against Monmouth School, a team boasting three internationals, our U17s went into the National Plate competition. After a great win against Queen’s Taunton, where Joe Armitage took five wickets, they were fast tracked through to the semi finals of the national competition against an incredibly strong Eastbourne College team. A gutsy display from the team, including a stubborn innings from Henry Britton with the bat and a fierce opening spell of bowling from Toby Smith, wasn’t enough to secure the win, and we bowed out at the semi final stage.

BOYS’ CRICKET  U15 ‘A’

Captained by Will Clayton Jones this season’s goal was to create a strong team spirit and improve on our consistency. There were many fine individual performances this season with bat and ball.

Will Clayton Jones, Henry Britton and Ollie O’Dair were our standout performers with the bat. There were also good contributions from Josh Pickering and Henry Williams. Highlight of the season was a 100‑run partnership between Henry Williams and Adi Elan, with both players scoring half centuries which got us through to the next round of the National cup.

Luke Colling was our standout bowler this season; bowling left arm medium pace. By bowling a consistent line, and with the ability to swing the ball, Luke caused the opposition huge problems. Sam Harris, Barney O’Brien and Sarp Kundacki also performed well with the ball with Sarp getting a career best 4 for 16 against Dean Close.

Overall, it was a very satisfying season with the boys’ attitude on and off the pitch being of the highest standard. They always played to the best of their ability and showed great sportsmanship whether we won or lost. I am looking forward to watching these young cricketers develop over the coming years.

p Gary Phillips

BOYS’ CRICKET  U15 ‘B’

It was a season of two halves, starting with two losses, ending with two wins. We began with a defeat against a very strong Taunton side, who set 217 for us to chase. We reached only 161, Jack Mayes hitting 75 not out and Charlie Groombridge running out their best batsman. This was followed by a disappointing loss to Colston’s, where Groombridge took two wickets and Ben Branston hit 32 in a chase of 124.

We achieved our first win in a hard fought victory over Dean Close, despite fielding only eight players. Groombridge took three wickets, while Jack Mayes hit 68 as we set and defended 154. Our last game was a close win over Monmouth, with a great all round performance from Zoë Snelling, whose 31 runs and two wickets meant we successfully defended 110.

Well done to everyone who played this season, and a massive thank you to Mr Thackray and Mr Philips for coaching us.

p Jack Mayes

BOYS’ CRICKET  U14 ‘A’

The promising season started with a loss at home to Kingswood, where early wickets and lots of extras ruined our innings. Next we were away against Taunton School, where Archie Millier’s 66 not out helped BGS to 136 for three at the end of our thirty overs, confident we had a defendable score: yet Taunton’s openers started quickly putting pressure on our bowlers, and were able to chase down our score in 25 overs.

The next match brought our first win, away to KES Bath where a good all round batting performance gave us 98 to defend after our twenty overs, Ellis Rajakaruna’s figures of 12–3 and Archie Millier’s 3–1 helping BGS bowl KES out for 68. Our next two games were probably our worst: losses to Colston’s and Beechen Cliff.

After a few rained off and cancelled matches our next encounter was our best performance of the season: we batted first, and Adam Colling’s 43 not out and Paul Walther’s quickfire 24 gave us a score of 185 to defend. We went out strong and Sophie Pickering’s remarkable spell of 8–9 left Dean Close 29 all out.

Following a few more rained off matches we played our final game of the season, against Monmouth, who batted first. Paul Walther produced an outstanding one handed diving catch to dismiss their best batsman, setting us 149 to win, but slow batting halted our innings.

Overall it was a good season, considerably better than the last. We should like to thank Mr Clark for coaching us, and giving up his time on Saturdays to umpire our matches.

p Archie Millier

BOYS’ CRICKET  U14 ‘B’

This was a frustrating season in many ways, with almost as many fixtures cancelled as played. Perhaps because of this, the squad struggled to find their form, recording four losses and two wins across the term.

That said, several of the matches were very close and, with a little bit of luck, the team could have been celebrating several more victories. They lost by just one wicket away at Dean Close and fought well, but finished fifteen runs short, when chasing down Haberdashers’ Monmouth School’s 129. The team were on the right side of a close result against Taunton School however, restricting them to 115 4 in response to BGS’s 117, to win by two runs.

While the team may have found this up‑and down season unsatisfying, there was still much to be proud of in it. They should be congratulated on their hard work and determination, which persisted even when they were on the wrong side of the results, and for the spirit in which they played the game, whether it ended in victory or defeat.

BOYS’ CRICKET  U13 ‘A’

Ten games constituted a mixed season: we won four, lost three, and tied one. Four wickets from Joe Armitage and an unbeaten fifty from Hartley Colbourne Brown helped to tie the first game, against Kingswood. Victories followed against Clifton and Colston’s, Joe Armitage scoring 54; Luca Revill took five wickets against QEH, in a game we lost. Ivo Thomas claimed four wickets in a losing effort against Dean Close.

The next games brought more success for Luca: a fifty, securing a win against Taunton School, and four more wickets against Newland House. Other highlights were Bella Daniels and Indie Murray getting two wickets apiece when we beat Beechen Cliff: impressive ‘A’ team debuts (Bella got their team’s county player out). Overall it was a positive season for the team.

p Joe Armitage

BOYS’ CRICKET  U13 ‘B’

P 8, W 4, L 4

Ably captained throughout by Leo Merrifield, the team faced a challenging season, but demonstrated great resilience and a determination to improve. Even among early disappointments lurked signs of promise.

With his attacking batting, Flynn Webster had looked threatening with a quick fifteen off seven deliveries against Kingswood. During a narrower loss against KES Bath, the bowlers also started to flex their shoulders: Daniel Potts took three for twenty, a catch for Billy Butterfield, and hit the stumps for a run out; James Poore took two for thirteen, plus a difficult catch to secure Potts’s third wicket.

The whole squad showed dedication in training: as the catching and backing up got tighter, the wins started to come. The Colston’s struggled to find a way past Webster’s scything bat. His sixty not out, off 32 deliveries (including twelve boundaries) made the key difference, but he was well supported by Leo Merrifield’s quick 33 off eighteen deliveries. In a win against Dean

Close, an 86 partnership between Merrifield (36) and Lucas Searle (42 not out) helped us post a competent 127 for six. In the bowling attack, two fors from Merrifield, Webster, and Adam Stevenson (who took wickets almost every time he bowled) secured the win.

In a close run, late season defeat against Beechen Cliff there were strong individual performances: Salvador Errington’s two wickets, both from perfectly pitched leg spin deliveries, brought admiring nods from the opposing umpire; Potts and Searle shored up our tumbling wickets for a defiant last stand, yet we fell short of Beechen Cliff’s 117 by just fifteen runs.

Many boys made valuable contributions: secure keeping by Hugo Holmes, good all round work with ball and bat from Sam Beshay and Leo Margetts, timely wickets from Dylan Routh Elmes, Billy Butterfield, Lucas Searle, and Yousaf Raza.

p David Briggs

BOYS’ CRICKET  U13 ‘C

The team had a good season, though we came across some tough sides. Many matches were cancelled, which is very disappointing as the team was improving a lot; as it happened we played only four games and sadly lost them all. Next year we can do better.

p Red Hall

BOYS’ CRICKET  U12 ‘A’

The team had a mixed season six wins and five losses out of eleven matches but finished the season on high note by winning the Area Cup.

We began with a close defeat from a strong Kingswood side, though Jack Wesley scored a great 38 and Barney Woodhouse hit three magnificent sixes. Comfortable wins followed against Beechen Cliff and Clifton Prep, before BGS faced KES away in Bath. The strong opposition scored 139 in twenty overs: in reply, Sid Patil and Jack Wesley rotated strike to put up a fifty run partnership for the second wicket. Victory was in sight, but the opposition kept their calm and clinched the game.

The team bounced back with an excellent performance against a strong Colston’s team. Highlights included Josh Starkes’s scoring the first half century of the season, and Sid Patil’s 42. Seamers Advay Mishra, Sid Patil and medium pacers Neevan Prasad, Danyal Shafia and Jonas O’Brien showed their magic with the ball to win the match by twenty runs. This performance was replicated in the County Cup semi final against the same opposition. Sid Patil played a captain's innings, his 75 not out including two sixes. The Area Cup final was played in Bath against Kingswood. This was a payback match: BGS won the toss and decided to bowl first. Our bowling attack was nicely backed up by excellent fielding that restricted the strong opposition to 94 for six in twenty overs. In response, Jack Wesley and Sid Patil batted beautifully to put up a quick sixty run partnership for the second wicket. This led the team to win the match by seven wickets, with one over remaining.

Overall, under Sid Patil’s captaincy, the boys remained positive and displayed some excellent team and individual performances.

p Sid Patel

BOYS’ CRICKET  U12 ‘B’

The U12 ‘B’ team launched their first season of Senior School cricket with a victory, by sixteen runs, over Kingswood School. Batting first, BGS reached 98 6 before bowling out the home team for just 82. A second victory followed, away again, against KES Bath, with the home team reaching 93 all out in reply to BGS’s score of 133 5.

Unfortunately, their first home fixture also saw the team suffer their first defeat, losing to Colston’s by the narrowest of margins. Having set the visitors a target of 89 to chase down, the boys managed to reduce Colston’s to nine down, but with the final wicket eluding us, Colston’s won by one wicket.

Fortunately, the remainder of the season saw them return to winning ways, with a five run victory against Haberdashers’ Monmouth and an impressive nine wicket win over Sir Thomas Rich’s School. It was wonderful to see so many boys keen to play, with 24 different players taking to the field to represent the school in the ‘B’ team this season. With this level of commitment and enthusiasm, we can expect to see more success in the seasons to come.

BOYS’ CRICKET  U12 ‘C’

The U12 ‘C’ team experienced an up and down season, with alternating wins and losses. What didn’t change was their enthusiasm and dedication both in training and when turning out for fixtures. Several members of the squad also played in the U12 ‘B’ team but whichever team they were representing they all always gave their best on the field.

After an opening defeat to Kingswood, the five run win at Clifton College Prep was particularly enjoyable, the home team reaching 68 9 in reply to BGS’s 73 5. The team bounced back from a thirteen run loss when playing KES Bath at Failand, to claim a one wicket win over Colston’s School and finished their season in style with a 45 run win over Sir Thomas Rich’s School in a twenty over match. The boys’ skills increased as the season went on, and there were some excellent performances with bat, ball and in the field to reflect on. They should be proud of what they achieved, and the spirit in which they played the game. We are looking forward to more of the same next season – and it would be nice if the weather could also deliver more of this season’s sunshine as well.

CLIMBING

InNovemberourmixedSenior Team — AlessioSoldani,IssyBanks, MollyPillingandBernieScotthorneMcBraida — wontheIndependentSchools’AssociationCompetitioninWorcester. Alessiowontheboys’categorywithavery strongleadclimbingperformance,having trainedhardfortheBritishOpenLeading climbingfinals — inwhichheachievedsixth place — theweekendbefore.Issywonthe girls’categoryagain,followingalongseason oftraininginpreparationforrepresenting theSouthWestintheBritishYouthClimbing Championships.IntheSouthWestSchools’SeriesTom IresonjoinedAlessioandBernietoleadthe SeniorBoys’fieldthroughouttherounds despitetherebeingsuperbindividual performancesfromclimbersatBristolFree SchoolandQEH.Withanalreadystrong SeniorGirls’teamwewereconfidentofa highplace,andgiventhatthisyearIssyjoined theLowerSixththisconfidencewasassured. TheserieswascloselyfoughtwithNorton HillSchool,andintheendBGSfinishedtwo pointsbehind,totakesecondplace.OurnewJuniorboys,LeoGriffithsand OllieMolnar,havemadehugeprogressin theirfirstseason,learningagreatdealfrom theSeniors,andablysupportedbySalvador Errington.Thiswasthemost-contested category,andaverystrongQEHteamtook thetrophybackfromBGS;StKatherine’s camesecond,andBGSthird.ElspethBarden showedsuperbcommitmentincompleting herfirstseries,finishingjustoutsidethetop tenjuniorgirls.competitionsWehopetoreturntoafullseasonof nextyear;thenumberof studentsnowclimbingindependently atlocalcentresisincreasing,sowelook forward toseeinghowtheteamsdevelop. Year5and6studentshavealsoenjoyed atermofclimbing;sometalenthasbeen spottedbythoseworkingwiththem,and we hopetoput ittogooduse!

p RichardSmith

SPORTS DAY

BGS Sports Day was back with a bang in 2022! After a virtual sports day in 2020, and 2021’s year group bubbled events at Failand, this year we were once again at Newport International Stadium for the always hotly contested BGS Athletics Championships.

With House pride on the line, competitors were determined to have a go and do their best, and the events were all contested with friendly rivalry and plenty of vocal support from those looking on.

Thanks to a jam packed schedule, masterminded by the PE department, the action kept coming all day. There were great performances from individuals in all Houses, making it almost impossible to work out who might be on course to claim the coveted Sports Day title. However, thanks to the sterling work of the time keepers in pink at the finish line, and our dedicated scorekeepers totting up the totals, all was revealed in assembly the following day…

Well done to Short’s House, 2022 Sports Day champions. Congratulations also go to: Isla Shepherd (9Ed) who won Junior Victrix Ludorum; Keira Devereux (11Ed) who won Senior Victrix Ludorum (and set a new 800m record); Reuben Wadey (9Gl) who was Junior Victor Ludorum; and Charlie Groombridge (10St) who was named Senior Victor Ludorum.

THE HOUSES

EDWARDS’S

1907 Freeman’s 1910 Gough’s 1913 Bridge’s 1920 Pitt’s 1935 Dunnicliffe’s 1955 Lucas’s

1972 Edwards’s 1978 Morris’s 1984 Huckle’s 1991 Jeffery’s 1996 Diamond’s 1999–2002 Tong’s

The last couple of years have been a bit too much about showing resilience and making the best of things: it has all felt rather unbalanced. So I am delighted to report that, this year, things have begun to even up as we have had more of that vital ingredient that has recently been in short supply: fun.

Our performers have been busy this year. First up was House Drama, and our entry was a take on the classic Scooby-Doo

The House Captains did an excellent job organising and directing it and elicited great performances from the cast: Laura Boyle and Seth Mason in particular shone and shared the ‘Best actor’ award, while Alfie King as Scooby Doo himself had to be seen to be believed.

In the Spring we were able to hold our first House Concert in three years, and it was brilliant. Well done to everyone involved. We then had a fine crop of entries in the House Dance competition, and the Lower Sixth, under the guidance of Lara Abraham, won the Best Senior Group.

On the sporting front the 7ED boys were tennis champions, while the 7ED girls went one better and won both hockey and netball. The 8ED girls were also netball champions and the Senior girls triumphed on Sports Day. The Queens of House sport, though, were the 9ED girls, who won the treble of hockey, netball and athletics.

There were also some impressive individual sporting performances. Megan Hornung came second in the English Schools’ cross country championship and set a new Senior Girls’ school 1,500m record on Sports Day. Keira Devereux had numerous running successes, winning both indoor and outdoor South West 800m titles. She then set a new Senior Girls’ school 800m record on Sports Day and was crowned BGS Senior Victrix Ludorum. Isla Shepherd was BGS Junior Victrix Ludorum and Henry Hawkins helped the Bristol Bears win the U18 English Premiership Rugby title.

Elsewhere, Chirag Hosdurga led us to our fifth House Chess title in the last six years and the honours were shared in our annual table tennis match vs Niamir’s. Live, in‑person House Assemblies returned and the highlight was definitely the Masked Masters of Magic (Will Stone and Jared Lepora of 7ED). We must also mention Louis Macro, Josh Watt and Ben Preddy who all secured places at Oxford University for next year. Well done, boys.

A few thank yous and goodbyes: firstly, to the House Captains, led by Esme Badham and Ella Morey, who have done a great job. Esme received the Lockyer Cup jointly with Jack Potter for outstanding contributions to the House over the last seven years.

Thank you and goodbye also to Ms Hardman, Mr James and Mr Bolton, who have been great members of the House staff. Finally, a special thank you to Mrs Knights, stepping down after seven years as Deputy Head of House. She has made a massive contribution in this rôle and I’m delighted that she remains a member of the House staff.

p Oliver Edwards

GLENN'S

After a difficult two years, it’s been a joy to see the return of some favourite House events. We welcomed our new Year 7 pupils in the traditional way, their House Party closely followed by the much loved Family Bowling event. Our Year 8 students, who missed both events last year, had a Family Bowling evening in the Autumn term and a Christmas party (turning the Prefects into ‘snowmen’ rather than ‘mummies’). Our Sixth Form mingled and feasted at Cosmo at the end of the first half term, and our Year 9s had the first of two joint socials with Edwards’s just before Christmas. It was delightful to run the House Drama Competition in person again; and to be crowned champions for the third year in a row. Arul Tharmaratnam convincingly played the part of the rather strict headmaster, who was later ‘Unmasked’ as Boris Johnson in disguise. All the cast played their parts diligently, under the careful direction of Morgan Woodhouse, who also made an appearance on stage at the end.

1943

In a busy Spring term Years 10, 11, and the Sixth Form all had outings to Laser Fusion. The House Concert and House Dance events showcased our talented performers and 8GL and 9GL collectively recited more places of Pi than other forms in their Year groups. At our Valentine’s Day teatime concert we were treated to comedy sketches, traditional dances, solo pieces, and ensembles. Rather than charge an entrance fee, we encouraged audience members to support a fundraiser for the Royal Papworth Heart Hospital; later we raised money for Comic Relief by selling red noses at House Dance.

House squash and Badminton ran after School in the Spring and Summer terms: congratulations to Henry Dunnill in Year 8, who won the Junior Boys’ Squash competition despite playing against older pupils; and thanks to Alessio Soldani in the Upper Sixth for being part of our House Badminton squad nearly every year of his BGS career.

1979 Speake’s 1989 Watson’s 2001 Saunders’s 2003–2018 Catchpole’s

Most of our Year groups won at least one competition this year – Masha Simutina and Helena Osborne Fitzgerald in Year 9 won the Girls’ House Tennis and our Year 10 boys won the Boys’ House Cricket, defeating the favourites, Scott’s. We didn’t get a podium position at Sports Day this year, but saw some significant Year group and individual victories, including Reuben Wadey, who broke two school records and won the ‘Best Junior Boy’ award.

As a House, we came first in the Sustainable Transport Competition, and I was proud to see us pull together to collect hundreds of items for the Ukraine appeal. We have drawn inspiration from a different Red House Hero each month and – when the achievements vanish from memory – it is my hope that we remember what they have taught us.

I am thankful to everyone who chooses to represent the House in any way, and to the House staff who work so diligently to give the students lots of opportunities and support. We have an incredible team!

p Louise Glenn

HILLIARD’S

The yearly routine of missing the Chronicle deadline by waiting for Sports Day results before putting pen to paper is now almost a tradition in itself. Hilliard’s House continues to do our best, but the actual winning still very much eludes us. The Green House has been Hilliard's for ten years, during which we have taken the Sports Day title only once, and that was a virtual affair, during the first lockdown … still, ‘a win’s a win’!

This year we came fourth, but the 7HD boys won their Year group trophy. It’s always nice to welcome Year 7: this group got on board from the off and one could easily imagine them asking ‘What Covid?’ We’ve had strong Year 7 participation across the board in Dance, Drama, and Entertainments Evening. I'm sure many will be putting themselves forward for Prefecture when they get to the Sixth form and, if they carry on in this vein, they will have strong applications indeed.

1907 Ford’s 1912 Holmes’s 1935 Langford’s 1954 Rendall’s

The Prefects are the glue that binds the House, and need recognition: this year's team, led by Kate Rumley and Mark Weale, was Tejas Ramana, Kian Emami, Donya Parast, Jakob Szpojnarowicz and Jackson McPhail; and Adam Rashid Thomas gets a mention too, as he might have been a House Prefect were he not already Deputy Head of School!

This year also saw Dr Massey retire from BGS: I think his blood is actually green! He has been an excellent tutor, giving up the rôle only in later years to focus on the Scholars’ programme, which provides so many opportunities to those awarded places on it. We wish him well, but suspect we shall see him routinely as his intention is to stay involved at some level.

We have won other sporting fixtures this year: the female cricketers in Year 8 need a mention as they were finalists, and the Year 8 boys became champions. Many Senior competitions run in a mixed format so this

1959 Trott’s 1977 Cox’s 1992–2012 Jakobek’s

group will certainly be one to watch as they move through the School. Senior mixed results were also good as we won both cricket and Badminton this term.

Not all Year groups win, and certainly not all the time, but the whole House gets to share in such victories when they come along, and everyone gives their best in the mean time. It was nice to celebrate with you throughout this year and – with a return to theatre based assemblies and the good fortune we had in the Summer term – it did seem appropriate for everyone to have an ice cream on the final day. Maybe it marked a decade of Hilliard's, maybe it was a celebration of Dr Massey, maybe it marked numerous summer term victories, maybe it marked a return to normality, maybe it was a mixture of all these things or maybe it was all about you. Thank you, Hilliard's.

p Matt Hilliard

NIAMIR’S

It was a rollercoaster year and I am unbelievably proud of Niamir’s for how everyone handled it. Having been away on maternity leave, I was amazed to come back to familiar faces and the new Yellow House family members. These have been loud and lively, loving all their activities and making lifelong friendships. Their Year 7 party was a great start to the year. Our annual bowling trip was postponed to May, when pupils and parents were already familiar with one another: a most entertaining social event, just what we needed.

House Drama in November was our first big event in a long time. The large cast contained performers from Years 7 to 13 and was directed brilliantly by Felix Cotter and Kosta Burgess, who also performed. The audience was in stitches throughout. The return of the House Concert in December was brilliant. The prefect team kicked off with a hilarious performance of the Mean Girls’ version of Jingle Bell Rock. We shall miss performances from Year 13’s Noah Clark, James Oliver and

Kosta Burgess, such regular contributors. Almost every Year group was represented, everyone enjoying the entertainment while supporting each other.

In January we lost two much loved members of our House, George Bolt and Annabelle Bingham. Both were very active members, involved in so much. We shall miss them, and will make sure they are forever remembered in the Yellow House. George’s friends have created an annual award, which we shall present to a House member at each year’s end, for strength and resilience: this perfectly captures George over the past few years.

March was very busy, with House Dance and our charity week. This year we supported ‘Windmill Hill City Farm’ raising an amazing £654.37 thanks to cake sales and some mini games. We also raised a large amount from daffodil sales on Charter Day. House Dance was fantastic, featuring incredible group performances by Year 7s and L6NM (who came third

in their category) and two stunning solo performances by Bella Daniels and Tom Ireson. Tom Ireson was placed first for his outstanding showing, and we shall miss him next year, as he leaves BGS to go to dance college.

House sport events have included Badminton, tennis, squash, Rugby, hockey, netball and cricket, and it has been brilliant seeing so many House members involved. The energy and support at Sports Day was electric, and it was a lovely feeling having the whole House together at such a big event.

A huge thank you to everybody for all you have done this year, particularly to our incredible prefect team, who have really raised the bar and done so much: their energy and caring nature have not gone unnoticed. A special thank you to Niamir’s staff and my amazing deputy, Steve Carruthers: I am so lucky to work with such a fantastic team. I wish everyone luck next year when I go on Maternity leave: I’ll be back for as many House events as I can!

p Ariana Niamir

1927 Hodgett’s 1929 Wood’s 1946 Dudley’s 1952 Osbourne’s

1962 Warren’s 1975 Rolling’s 2005 Keen’s 2011–2018 Diamond’s

adaptable pupils took all the changes in their stride and got involved in many events. As ever, through the year we held several sporting competitions with House Cricket, Rugby, Hockey and Netball able to take place. We had a range of success in the competitions but the best bit for me was seeing the happy faces of those taking part in the competitions whether we won or lost!

The Summer term saw us return to Newport for the full school sports day. With Years 7–9 never having experienced a Newport day, it was great to see pupils of all ages taking part and competing for the House. With such a can do attitude from the pupils, stepping up to fill races whenever needed, we did brilliantly and won Sports Day for the second year in a row. This was a

superb effort, topped off by us winning the Holman‑Selwyn Relay. As ever, I can’t thank each person enough for taking part and stepping in to run, throw and jump as far as they could! The House should be proud of both these achievements and hopefully we can keep challenging in the years ahead. Our House entertainments evening took place in the Spring term in the Mackay. The evening showcased the wide range of talent in the Brown House. We had several talented musicians perform from piano and violin to the drums. A special mention should go to Roke Brobbey (Year 8) who performed a piece he had composed himself using two instruments – violin and saxophone. It was incredible to watch, and I am already looking forward to seeing what he will perform next year! The evening also featured several dance pieces, solos, duets and even a tap routine; the dancers get

stronger and stronger each year and are wonderful to watch. We had two bands, including two Year 10s (Charlie Groombridge and Daniel Ababio), playing with their tutor Mr Guerrini. The evening was a huge success, and everyone involved should be very proud of their talents. I’m not sure how we will top this next year, but I know that everyone will rise to the challenge.

Finally, I must thank all the House staff for their help this year. Working with such a fantastic tutor team means that our pupils all start the day greeted by a positive and friendly face. I also want to thank my team of House Prefects, led brilliantly by Kate Howard and Daisy Mallick. It was lovely to see the enthusiasm and commitment to the House and the return to in person assemblies allowed them to entertain the house with fun games and informative assemblies.

p Andrew Short

1907 Beames’s 1924 Jacob’s 1951 Dehn’s 1966 Pickup’s 1980 Holman’s

FORMERLY

2007 Gunawardana’s 2013–2016 Goodman’s

FORMERLY

SCOTT'S

When the dust has settled on my career I think this will be a year that lingers long in my memory. It has slowly passed by like a flight in a hot air balloon, frozen in a panoramic view of everything that lies before me. It has also simultaneously flashed passed my eyes like a Bullet Train from Hokkaido to Tokyo, scarily flirting with the thoughts of ‘how can something that moves so fast do so safely?’

Bringing more questions than answers in a quickly changing world, this year has made me think in ways I never knew were possible. I am looking forward to a Summer break to recharge and reset, but not for another year of the same old things done in the same old ways. Now is an era of adaptation and change, where standing still is more visibly than ever actually going backwards.

The pupils in Scott’s House are the ones who help me to understand this and the impact it has on our daily lives. They never cease to

1907 Parker’s 1917 Holmyard’s 1918 Dicker’s 1926 Morris’s

amaze me, and they show me ways to cope, ways to learn, and ways to enjoy whatever cards life decides are dealt to me each day. They cope and overcome stresses, they climb mountains to achieve personal goals and they celebrate each other’s success as if it were their own. It is this love, care and kindness that acts as the breeze to keep our hot air balloon flowing gracefully through the sky while it is detached from the chaos below it. The pupils are also the tracks that ensure that, even at the greatest of speeds, so long as we all move in the same direction, we shall be safe and continue to progress towards our various destinations while the outside world seems to be at a standstill.

None epitomise this more than our youngest members, in 7SC, who have been awesome from start to finish this year and have given Mrs Hainsworth an amazing year as Form Tutor. Keep up the great work, 7SC. At the

1948 Booker’s 1967 Cockitt’s 1975–2005 Burns’s

top end U6SC have also been amazing, especially Jess Partridge and Sammy Ogilvie who were Head House Prefects. They have coped with the many speed bumps and roadblocks that have been put in their way, and given their all to ensure the House is represented in all areas of school life. My greatest thanks must go to the Form Tutors in Years 7 to 11: Mrs Hainsworth, Mr Bernaert, Mrs Rees, Ms Yemenakis, Mr Moraca and Mr Thomas, as they have all been so complete in their care for all our pupils. They have been amazingly supported by Miss Bovey as Deputy Head of House, who makes sure that no stone is left unturned in her support of pupils and staff alike. My thanks to you all!

p Ben Scott

STAFF NEWS

New Colleagues

In September 2022 we welcome the following:

Harry Abel, BSc, University of Birmingham, as Graduate Sports Assistant

Mrs Bethany Bridges-Sparkes, BA, University of Bournemouth, from freelance roles in the film and TV industry as Admissions Administrator

Mrs Claire Cobham, BSc, South Bank University, from Forres Sandle Manor School as I&J Specialist Learning Support Assistant

Mrs Julie Ellis, from various schools as I&J Specialist Learning Support Assistant

Kevin Gilley, BA, Kingston University, MA Roehampton University, from Overton Grange School as Teacher of Economics and Business Studies

Miss Lucy Gladdy, BSc, University of Gloucestershire, from South Gloucestershire and Stroud College as Teacher of PE and Games

Ms Carmel Golden, from Montpelier High School as Educational Visits Administrator

Max Hartle, BA, University of Cambridge, as Teacher of Modern Languages

Mrs Louisa Hume, BSc, University of Bath, from Clifton College as Junior School Teaching Assistant

Andrew Jarvis, MA, University of Dundee, from the Tanglin Trust School, Singapore as Teacher of History

Callum Jenkins, BSc, University of Sheffield, as Teacher of Maths

Miss Grace Light, from the BGS Class of 2022, as Sports Assistant

George Nelson, BA, University of Nottingham, as I&J Assistant

Miss Ellena Nobes, BA, University of the West of England, as Teacher of Art

Miss Ellie Parker, BSc, Leeds Beckett University, as Teacher of PE and Games

Chris Pursall, BA, University of the West of England, as Teacher of Economics and Business Studies

Miss Kate Rumley, from the BGS Class of 2022, as Performing Arts Assistant

Mrs Cerian Skyrme, BSc, University of the West of England, from Bristol Cathedral Choir School as Teacher of Biology

Mrs Emma Taylor, BSc, University of Sheffield, MSc, University of Bristol, from Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital School as Deputy Head of Biology and Science Co ordinator

Ian Thomas, BSc, University of Bath, MA, University of Buckingham, from University College School, London as Teacher of PE and Games

We hope all these colleagues will enjoy long and fulfilling careers at BGS.

Farewells

KEVIN BLACKBURN

After thirty one years Kevin has decided to leave BGS to develop his business interests as well as spending more time with his family and on the golf course. Originally from Yorkshire, he grew up in St Ives, Cornwall where he nurtured his love of Rugby, golf, and cricket. This last was always his first love, and after flirting with a professional career at Nottinghamshire, he decided instead to undertake a PGCE at Loughborough to become a teacher.

Kevin set high standards both in the classroom and on the sports field: under his direction school cricket and hockey throve. He has nurtured many fine cricketers over the years, who all benefited from his experience and knowledge, yet he rarely played for the Staff XI, claiming it was like ‘village cricket’. He organised many cricket tours, ranging from his favourite destination, Barbados, to a short trip to Devon which he enjoyed just as much. One of his retirement objectives is to travel the world watching England test matches, and county cricket in Bristol.

Kevin was hugely influential in developing BGS hockey to where it is today: he was determined we should start hockey in the Junior School, and not play two terms of Rugby in Year 7. Such changes helped us become one of the most successful hockey schools in the West. It was not unusual to see huge squads of players turning up at Failand on a Saturday, and it was important to Kevin that, if you wanted to play, you played.

His enthusiasm was not restricted to the games field. He was known for his love of teaching Gymnastics, and his vaulting demonstrations used to scare the life out of me (especially if he asked me to support him)! I remember his disappointment when we were obliged to teach less challenging gymnastics, but I was pleased to see that he had the trampettes out in a lesson I watched recently.. He revolutionised the way we taught PE, introducing ‘striking and fielding’ lessons and ‘invasion games’, instead of teaching specific team sports. To help the old timers, he even published lesson plans and had them bound into booklets.

I had the pleasure of Kevin’s company on a few skiing trips, the first being an Italian excursion where he stepped in at the last minute. As a non skier he was happy to look after beginners … yet by the end of the week he was a frightening sight, snow ploughing down the steepest slopes trying to keep up with the rest of his group.

Another string to Kevin’s bow was Maths, and he taught various classes over the years. He enjoyed getting the best out of pupils, and woe betide anyone who didn’t do their homework – they would soon be ‘catching up’ outside the squash courts at break. Many students over the years were shaped by Kevin’s teaching and coaching. After announcing his retirement on social media, we received comments such as ‘I remember Kevin asking me, after I refused to attempt one activity, if I would rather go to the Library! A lesson – in being careful not to offer a reward inadvertently as a sanction – which I took into my own teaching career’

(Rosalynn Smith).

‘Mr Blackburn was a great gymnastics teacher and taught me to vault off the big box. I remember him bouncing off the edge of the trampoline while trying to show us some moves!’ (Eleanor Weir)

‘Mr Blackburn was definitely my favourite teacher through my years at BGS: kind, firm, consistent and fair. A fantastic Maths and PE teacher and I have very fond memories of him being my Rugby coach. It’s only when you see a posting like this you can see what an effect somebody had on you, and what respect you had for them’ (Joe Rogers).

We thank Kevin for everything he has contributed to BGS. He will be sorely missed, and we wish him well!

p Peter Jakobek

ROBERT MASSEY

Arriving from Bancroft’s School to take on the rôle of BGS Head of History, Robert brought an energy for teaching and learning that made an immediate impact on colleagues and pupils alike. His classroom invited discussion and challenge, and scholarly habits were fostered from the very beginning. With a first class degree and PhD from Liverpool, and having taught at university level prior to focusing on classroom practice, Robert’s academic presence and sharp mind were a good fit for the high fliers of the School. A true believer in education to change young lives, Robert invested time in his pupils and ensured they were provided with the necessary tools and nurturing to ensure that their time was purposeful and always ‘aiming high’.

His personality invites hard thinking in any conversation, and he will readily communicate a knowledge of History that instantly transports pupils to times past. Robert has led trips near and far, including Berlin, the Battlefields and the USA, as well as the Houses of Parliament, to name but a few; wherever he went, Robert presented as a resident expert, rivalling the local guides and offering insight that enthralled our pupils.

Always keen to promote political discourse, Robert soon established Model United Nations at BGS, providing young people with the opportunity to assume the rôle of national ambassadors or representatives to debate, and seek to solve, global issues. The themes of research, public speaking, teamwork and negotiation all feature high on the list of the MUN experience; it is no coincidence that these traits resonate with Robert’s skills and passion. The highly successful BGS hosted MUN Conference

for local schools, and the trips as far as Cheadle Hulme (for ‘MUNCH’), are annually brilliant experiences in the calendar; these are now complemented by Junior MUN events that Robert has pioneered in order to cast a wider net and engage younger pupils.

Robert is a firm believer that young people’s opinions matter, and is extremely proud to see his son recently elected as a Youth Councillor for Bristol; at BGS, we have enjoyed many a ‘Massey Mock Election’ with campaigns spanning numerous General Elections, and Brexit. In this, Robert equipped the candidates with all the tools they needed to launch and promote their position and, of course, deliver the all important Great Hall addresses to the School.

Robert’s time at BGS has been dedicated to leadership and, with this, he found a great fit with the rôles of Head of History and of Director of Scholars & Academic Challenge. As an educator, Robert has a passion for learning and teaching that is ever present in his work and home life. Affording time to dedicated pedagogical research, striving to be excellent for all pupils and promoting a life long love of learning for teachers in their professional practice. He hosted our inaugural (and only) ‘BGS Pedagoo’ in 2014, bringing teachers together from across the country, and more recently, he finished writing From Able to Remarkable, published in 2019. This is a teachers’ manual for student success, encompassing all classrooms and subjects, built on professional exploration and with a firm pedagogical foundation: a massive achievement.

Robert leaves us for calmer days, interspersed with time outdoors for running and gardening, perhaps off to the hallowed turf or Kenilworth Road to watch Luton Town FC in their latest endeavours, or even enjoying the French comedy of Jacques Tati on YouTube on rainy days for laugh‑out‑loud entertainment. Most likely he will be reading a book. We expect to see Robert soon return to BGS for the inaugural series of ‘Massey Lectures’ which starts in September; he might well end up on yet another coach to the Battlefields, or give in occasionally to the call to be back in the classroom in front of young minds ready to be inspired.

p Daniel Stone

BRIAN TOMES

Brian Tomes joined BGS in 2001, initially as a Shift Porter. In 2007, he migrated to the Maintenance team, working alongside Johnny Williams before finally settling in his most recent rôle as Campus Factotum in 2015.

Brian’s conscientious and professional attitude to his work ensured that he was always an absolute pleasure to work with. His unswerving loyalty to the BGS community could never be questioned; he was like a stick of rock with Ex Spinis Uvas running through his core. Never short of conversation, Brian was a veritable mine of information and would, with very little prompting, happily share his view on many topics. Occasionally, he would leave a gap in the conversation for the other person to join in.

During his tenure with BGS Brian proved himself naturally adept, turning his hand to most things – grounds maintenance, site maintenance and vehicle maintenance –with no small measure of success. Whether called upon to manoeuvre a minibus through a crowded one way system, or to face the challenge of a particularly tricky slip‑road, Brian’s perseverance could always be counted on. Each challenge, no matter how unique, was always met; and the subsequent recollection of the event would always prove amusing, time after time after time.

Brian was well liked and well respected within the Facilities team, and it was only natural that Tom Matthews, when perplexed, would seek Brian’s wise counsel. Brian, generous by nature, has promised to visit Tom regularly to continue this process – an altruistic gesture that I wholeheartedly support.

Brian loved his cat, model lorries, fish and chips and going on holiday with numerous, kind hearted relatives. We wish him the very best in his retirement, knowing that he will keep himself busy, pursuing his many hobbies, while continuing to provide gardening services to those in the community who value his support.

p Ben Tavener

VICKY DIXON

Vicky Ryan, as she was then known, joined BGS in September 2004 as teacher of Girls’ Physical Education. David Mascord was Headmaster at the time. She very nearly didn’t come, as she’d left her previous rôle at St George’s College, Surrey to take up a place in the police: but thankfully for us she got cold feet, saw the job at BGS and – for the last eighteen years – has been a key member of the Department and of the School.

In January 2005 Vicky became Co ordinator of Girls’ Games, taking responsibility for hockey and netball. She passionately believed in developing opportunities for all the girls, and improved our fixture list to play the higher league of boarding schools, as well as putting out more teams each week.

Vicky also took on various pastoral rôles. In a reference for her Clifford Dammers wrote, ‘I have been extremely impressed by all that she has done: to put it simply, she has been one of the best Form Tutors I have ever worked with.’ She soon progressed to become Assistant Head of the Red House (Catchpoles’) from 2005–2009. In September 2013 Vicky became Deputy Head of the Black House.

She went on maternity leave in August 2014, when she was expecting Stanley. Three years later, following the birth of her son Wilf, Vicky returned to BGS part time. She gave up as Head of Girls’ Games in January 2016, but was always there to mentor new Heads of Sport when they joined the School. She is still someone we all turn to for advice and support.

Vicky has worked part time across all phases of the School, providing many opportunities for many children and staff to develop a love of sport and fitness. She has undertaken some huge personal challenges: Marathon des Sables, Ironman, Dragon Race. She set up and ran staff Running Club, as well as INSET opportunities for colleagues. As well as hockey and netball Vicky is BGS’s cross‑country queen and supports children taking part in athletics, cross country and triathlons. She is also a passionate teacher of ‘A’ level PE.

Vicky is as just as happy preparing a high‑performing team for Nationals as when coaching pupils experiencing sport for the first time, or those who find it more challenging. Her Second XI hockey squads have been successful and happy teams; before that she pushed performance with the U15s.

In the Department she was noted as the unofficial social secretary and fitness guru. She is known for organising us with wall planners and new notebooks every term. For someone so organised and immaculately presented you would be shocked to see the state of her car! She has a huge love of coffee and future colleagues will no doubt hear her asking ‘anyone else need chocolate?’ on a regular basis when she takes up her new, full‑time post at Clifton High, not far away. We wish her every success there; here she will be missed by pupils, staff and parents alike.

p Rachel John

CLARE MELTON

Clare Melton joined BGS in 2006, having previously worked as an Event Coordinator on SS Great Britain, a rôle that allowed her to follow her passion for history, but also – as she was involved in some of the restoration – to be part of the making of history. Her initial rôle was to provide administrative support for a Deputy Head, as well as taking responsibility for Senior School admissions. She quickly realised that her duties as Admissions Officer were going to require her full time attention, and within a relatively short time admissions became her sole focus.

Over the years she must have been in contact with the parents of around ten thousand children considering Years 7 to 10 at BGS, and welcomed a fifth of these into the School at the end of their admissions journey. Clare loved to hear about the accomplishments and achievements of individuals, but also about collective successes of Year groups, how children developed into young adults, and where and what they were moving on to beyond BGS.

I worked with Clare for nearly twelve years, and she put everything she had into the rôle, living and breathing BGS. Her methodical ways ensured that processes didn’t allow for error, her thoroughness meaning I always had what I needed to do my job. Her knowledge of Admissions and the School was second to none, and her compassion and empathy allowed her to support families from the moment they enquired to their child’s first day in School. Ask Clare to provide some numbers, however, and you would get an instant response, ‘I don’t do maths!’

Clare loved being a part of school life, especially if there was a competition and a certificate involved. A bit of a twitcher, she would submit photographs of robins and owls to the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition every year, and received Highly Commended status. This was something she would not so subtly remind the team about on a regular basis. With a passion and flair for fancy dress, she was always the driving force in organising the Departmental theme for World Book Day (two time winners, don’t you know, but who’s counting?).

Clare has been an outstanding colleague to work with over the years. Her sense of humour and quick witted nature would always raise a smile and lift any mood in busy times. Her love of food, and constant grazing, were often a talking point in the office. Buttered toast with Marmite, a foodstuff she loves beyond obsession, often left the rest of the team salivating.

Always supportive, she’s a colleague I would always want on my team, but Clare has also been a good friend to me and other co‑workers. I’ve seen her get married to Dave, whom she met at university; their wonderful twins, Elizabeth and Charlie, are true BGS Admissions babies as they were delivered on Open Evening, 2 October 2015.

Hardworking, good natured, thorough and empathetic, Clare will truly be missed at BGS. Our loss is Backwell and Flax Bourton’s gain, since she starts the next stage of her career as Clerk to the Parish Council there. We wish her all the best for the future, and trust she won’t be a stranger.

p Hollie Matthews

TONY O’CALLAGHAN

Tony has been part of the Development Team at BGS for over fifteen years. Long before our current 500 Campaign, and the fresh drive to widen access for children at BGS through bursaries, there has been alumni engagement and fundraising activity at BGS, and Tony was a big part of it all. The School has always worked with the Old Bristolians’ Society, and Tony’s talents as a designer were put to good use as he compiled Bristolienses

Tony was responsible for maintaining the database, the engine of the Development Office. It’s here that information is compiled and stored about our alumni, donors, parents and friends of the School, and Tony has enabled the team to keep track of – and in touch with –over 6,500 people over the years!

Tony’s real passion, however, was always film making. A natural story teller, with the ability to make ordinary film documentation a more emotional and resonant experience, he has produced hundreds of films for BGS. His Sixth form leavers’ videos are guaranteed to leave a tear in the eye and, most recently, he has supported our Archive Team with fascinating and important film‑making about the School’s incredible history. He also supported the Giving Day celebrations in April by providing essential footage of our teachers and students – all used to encourage donations, social media shares and raise awareness for our new campaign.

Tony moves on from the Development Team to become the School’s videographer, working closely with the Marketing Team. He will be missed from the office, but we shall still work with him on future film making projects to support the 500 Campaign – and of course to share a cup of tea and catch up!

p Nadine Latte

DAVID HARRIS

‘Disco Dave’, as he was affectionately known, worked at BGS for fifteen years. It started on a windy, rainy day at Failand when Dave, a member of Firebrands HC, asked if I would like some help with the U12 hockey teams. At the time I was running U12 ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ teams, so the offer was greatly appreciated. Dave was unbelievable with the younger players, and those just starting the game. He expanded his rôle into the girls’ hockey section. Many boys and girls continued their hockey right through to the senior teams thanks to the initial enthusiasm Dave engendered. Between us we ran the U12s for many years and it was a pleasure to work with him. He always said, ‘I accept I’m not the world’s best coach, but I just want them all to enjoy it.’ And enjoy it they did, ‘with bells on’.

His rôle expanded further: coaching in the Junior School and becoming goalkeeping coach and organiser of the goalkeeping kit, which was kept immaculately at Failand. He made so many contacts that he was able to get kit for boys and girls at a discounted rate with many top suppliers. Most BGS goalkeepers’ first experience of the task was down to the effort put in by Dave. He also helped our Pavilion manager with the cleaning and any other pavilion jobs. One summer when we were short of an U12 cricket coach I asked if he’d like to be involved. He said he didn’t know much about cricket, but could certainly give it a go! And his knowledge of both coaching and umpiring developed strongly as the years progressed. The U12 ‘B’ and ‘C’ teams throve under his tutelage.

So, from a ‘ripe young’ 65 until he retired at 82, Dave demonstrated that age is no barrier to being involved. He even taught History in the Junior School. His commitment, enthusiasm and energy put many of us to shame and underlined that, with coaches, we should take enthusiasm over knowledge every single time.

BGS cannot thank Dave enough for all he did to foster our young children’s love of sport. His contribution was priceless, and he will always be welcome on the playing fields of BGS.

p Kevin Blackburn

‘BGS cannot thank Dave enough for all he did to foster our young children’s love of sport.’

ANDY BLACKETT

If you ever set foot in the Sports Centre between April 2006 and October 2021, it’s highly likely that you would have met Andy Blackett. Andy was the Sports Hall supervisor during this time, highly respected and admired by both staff and students at BGS. With his cheeky sense of humour and infectious laugh, he would guarantee to brighten up your day and put a smile on your face. His duties weren’t just confined to the immediate BGS community, as he often stayed on after hours to supervise the evening sports bookings with the public. Here he would show the exact same commitment and professionalism as he did during the school day.

Andy was also a fantastic handyman, regularly repairing and maintaining equipment and kit around the Sports Centre. He would often invent brand new contraptions, purpose built to solve specific problems, when he didn’t have the correct one to hand. A personal favourite of mine was the ‘extending squash ball retriever’ – a number of extending poles taped together, designed to retrieve balls stuck on the upper ledges of the courts. It wasn’t pretty … but it did the job.

He was always very keen to learn new skills, and would often take to them like a duck to water. This gave him a wide variety of talents, all the way from trampoline coach to physio. Having been involved in sports throughout his life, he enjoyed keeping fit, and was a regular at Andy Thackray’s early morning circuits class. The banter that Andy provided certainly made the burpees feel a lot easier to finish; but though the class continued to build, the Blackett shaped hole will be very difficult to fill.

Unfortunately, Andy has been forced to cut his time at BGS short because of illness, although I am pleased to say he is currently keeping well and busy on his allotment in Bath. I’m sure everyone at BGS wishes Andy the very best for the future: he will be sorely missed as part of our community.

p Chris Ashcroft

ANDREW BOLTON

Andrew Bolton joined the Biology Department in September 2012, and his warm and knowledgeable approach to teaching immediately made an impact. He is one of those wonderful people whose first instinct is always to help and support others, regardless of circumstance or his own commitments. As a charismatic classroom teacher he combines humour, a deep care for his students’ wellbeing and academic progress, with secretly being extremely intelligent. His entertaining and engaging lessons always place the onus on the students to do the thinking, and his ability to bring in links from the wider world helps them quickly build complex ideas and associations. He has developed a huge range of creative teaching and learning resources, which he shares freely, and which have become staples in Biology teaching at the School. A very practical person, Andrew is highly skilled in any hands on endeavour, equally able to dazzle students with exciting experiments while also fixing pretty‑much any electrical, technical, or similar problem, up to and including large scale construction projects.

As Deputy Head of Biology, Andrew led the development of a brand new curriculum for Year 8. Focusing on UK wildlife, the course echoed his own approach by being based on students’ enjoying their lessons, and thus driving their learning through their own interest and enthusiasm. Through the course Andrew shared his own passion and extensive experience of wildlife with hundreds of keen young naturalists. His ability to name pretty much any species that may be encountered in the British Isles leaves both students and colleagues in awe, and is usually accompanied by a funny story or anecdote that helps you remember what you’ve learnt. He has run numerous Biology Challenges, Olympiads, trips, and talks, always with professionalism, efficiency and care for the students. In terms of his teaching and his support of the subject he leaves very big boots to fill.

Very much an outdoorsman, Andrew’s co curricular contribution to BGS has been extensive and matched to his own strengths. As an U13 and U14 Rugby coach he guided his teams with skill and dedication, coaching stars of the future. Always willing to pitch in, he has hiked across moors with D of E, pond‑dipped at Folly Farm and bathed bearded dragons in Biology Club. A very popular Sixth form teacher, Andrew has devoted endless hours to supporting Sixth form Biologists with their university applications. In particular his patience and wisdom have helped dozens of applicants for medicine, dentistry, veterinary science and Oxbridge to navigate their individual optimal route through these sometimes arcane processes.

Andrew’s kindness and strength of character have provided the firmest of foundations both for the students in his care and for his colleagues. A dedicated Sixth form Tutor and member of the Blue House, he supports his charges with humour and warmth, and a deep and seemingly endless empathy. This has been clear in recent weeks as a procession of students have appeared at the office door with presents and heartfelt words of thanks and farewell. As a colleague Andrew is the both the heart and the rock of the Department. Last minute cover lesson? Shoulder to cry on? Ideas soundboard and general confidant? Nothing is a problem or too much trouble. He has always been there for his colleagues, and we shall miss him terribly. Always friendly, always entertaining, Andrew has brought much fun to the staff body, and the vision of him knee sliding across the turf, saving singles for the staff cricket team, will live long in the memory.

A peaceful and more literally pastoral life awaits him in the beautiful Brecons, and we wish Andrew and his family all the very best for their pastures new. In his decade at BGS he has spread happiness, encouraged a love of learning, and made lives better. He will continue to do so in this next phase of his life, and we hope that we see our friend again very soon.

p Alex Goodland

NIKI GIBBS

After ten successful years of service as the BGS Counsellor Niki Gibbs leaves us to join UWE as a lecturer in Counselling. Her background as a secondary school teacher served us well as, in addition to her speciality in Mental Health, she offered a deeper understanding of the complexities of young people facing the pressures and demands of school life.

Niki’s ongoing enthusiastic contribution to School Counselling never waned in her time at BGS. Carefully reflecting on the balance between her service having a profile, and yet being behind the scenes enough to respect both staff and pupils’ confidentiality, Niki successfully developed a highly effective approach that is now fully integrated within our pastoral team.

Her ability to adapt to new methods of offering counselling is particularly noteworthy, re shaping the service to the changing needs of the School, even before the period of the pandemic, as well as responding to situations of crisis where she went beyond her usual duties.

It is easy to see how Niki’s unwavering commitment to BGS and the rôle of School Counsellor has generated the high level of respect she commands within the staff team. Her passion also resulted in instigating BGS’s involvement in influencing national policy that every school should have a full time Counsellor. Working closely with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, Niki used BGS’s integrated counselling model as one for other schools to adopt.

Within BGS, in addition to counselling, she played a significant part in the development of the wider Wellbeing aspects of school life. It would be difficult to list everything here, but this included diverse aspects such as: our School’s creating a Mental Health Lead rôle before many others; parent partnership talks; empowerment of pastoral staff within their rôles; recommendation of staff mentors and a listening course to resource our pastoral teams; the expansion of the Department to include another counsellor and behind the scenes resourcing, and reviewing particular aspects of our Wellbeing programme content.

It was a pleasure to work closely with Niki and to be energised by her enthusiasm for counselling and the wider world of wellbeing. Her presence, understanding, professionalism, commitment, and enthusiasm will all be missed. We do, however, wish her every success in her new rôle!

p Aruna Gunawardana

PHIL BRAND

Phil Brand joined BGS in 2013 and quickly slotted into the Facilities team as a Shift Porter. Phil was always full of positive energy and made many friends within the team and across the School. He was into keeping fit – specifically running – and was always able to meet the physically demanding requirements of his job.

Phil had an excellent work ethic and was always willing to go the extra mile in offering a helping hand which, along with his attention to detail, ensured that any job he undertook was completed thoroughly and to the highest standard.

Phil had a hearty appetite, was intrigued by Elon Musk, and could grow a beard surprisingly quickly. He made many friends at BGS and will be much missed as he leaves us to join the Olympus Academy Trust. We wish Phil all the best – we know he will make a great caretaker.

p Veryan Rookes

EMMA NATTRESS

Emma joined BGS in 2013, still fairly fresh out of school, and with a few years’ working in a health club under her belt. It is testament to her impact that she is so well known, and well loved, by so many of the BGS community – staff, students and parents.

And this impact has been long lasting, as children have made their way through the different phases of the School with Emma involved in their journey. Her unwavering support of the children is tangible, always being each child’s champion, both inside and outside the classroom. Her words of encouragement and dedicated coaching expertise on the sports field have enabled so many to do so well.

It came as no surprise that St Katherine’s snapped her up for their pastoral team. She is a real asset to any school community and won’t ever be a stranger to ours. In true Primary Education style, we’ll leave with some rhyming poetry …

Miss Nattress, our wonderful Junior TA, What on earth are we meant to say? Farewell, good luck, and keep in touch, BGS will miss you very much. Thank you for the memories and the laughs during your reign, Our loss is St Katherine’s gain!

p Jo Penny

LUCY LLOYD-SMITH

Lucy joined BGS in January 2014 as a Teaching Assistant in the Junior School. Her many skills became immediately obvious, and she was soon teaching the Infants French as well as working in the Juniors.

JO SHURETY

Jo joined BGS in September 2014 from Clifton College. She worked across all Year groups in the Infant School, and was always smiling, friendly and full of fun with the children. Her passion for Forest School was infectious: she loved to be in the forest with the children and put effort into the preparation of all her lessons.

Jo’s legacy will be the Infant kitchen: she was instrumental in the organisation, resourcing and planning of the Infants’ Food Technology lessons, filling the building with amazing aromas on a regular basis. Jo could always be found at the Summer Fair painting faces in elaborate ways and, with her flair for papier-mâché, she made numerous props for the Nativity and Summer concert productions.

Jo leaves BGS to work at Peopleton Brook Farm, offering alternative provision for children and young adults with behavioural and learning difficulties, when mainstream education can’t accommodate their needs.

p Katharine Hughes

A brief spell in the office gave Lucy a taste of the future as, in September 2015, she became Peter Huckle’s PA. Lucy’s calm nature made her an invaluable assistant, whether in the traditional rôle or in creating costumes for the many fancy dress days. Her creative skills were incredible and some of the costumes she created for Peter, Heidi or the Year 6 play over the years were quite spectacular: Joseph’s technicolour dreamcoat springs to mind!

In 2019 Lucy became Heidi Hughes’s PA. As Heidi was settling into her new school, Covid 19 hit the world, and with it came new working routines that no one had previously experienced. But again, Lucy was instrumental in the smooth running of the School, supporting Heidi through lockdowns, key workers and bubbles!

In all her time at BGS, Lucy has provided invaluable support to pupils, staff and parents. Her friendly face in the office, and ability to solve problems quickly, have been key. From quenching a nosebleed to delivering a dance bag, every task was accomplished with a smile.

Lucy has relocated to Pennsylvania, USA. I know that she is looking forward to enjoying the cultural experience of living in the States and is keen to explore new cities and National Parks. We have all enjoyed working alongside her, and although she will be missed, we all wish her every happiness in her new home.

p Heidi Hughes

RORY HAMBLY

Rory Hambly joined BGS as Head of History and Politics in September 2016. He came with glowing references, speaking of his commitment to the holistic development of children, his enthusiasm as a football coach and his potential as a future school leader. All these proved true during his time at BGS.

In History Rory was an invaluable supporter of the IB; he threw himself into writing the History course as well as delivering it at both levels. As a passionate supporter of politics courses, he also launched the IB Global Politics course. Numbers studying History grew strongly under his inspirational leadership. Likewise, the football teams went from strength to strength and took on ever stronger opposition as the School’s reputation as a football force grew. In particular he coached the U15 Football team, enjoying some very long trips on cup away days to the Southwest. He also accompanied the Senior Cricket tour to South Africa and played staff cricket regularly.

Many senior staff have spoken effusively about Rory’s potential to be a future senior leader as he is eloquent, thoughtful, approachable, passionate to enable pupils to fulfil their potential in all spheres and possesses excellent interpersonal skills – providing a trustworthy influence at a whole school level. Rory has a deep knowledge of effective learning and teaching for twenty first century pupils. Inspiration in the classroom, on the sports field, and on educational visits such as the Battlefields tour, were vital elements of what Rory brought to BGS.

Rory became a popular Chair of the Staff Common Room, ending every Friday meeting with ‘on this day in history’ … followed by a timely anecdote from the particular date. All his colleagues have missed Rory greatly since his departure in December 2021 and wish him well for all that the future holds.

p Paul Roberts

LISA CROMPTON

Lisa worked at BGS from September 2017 to January 2022 as Physical Education and Sports Department Administration Assistant, but soon developed her rôle to encompass many other areas of school life. She made an immediate impact on the Department with her friendly approach and hard working attitude. She was a very organised and reliable colleague, who helped the PE and Games Department function in terms of transport, fixtures and other important tasks. She was incredibly conscientious and diligent in her rôle, always looking to take on more responsibility.

WAYNE TURNER

Wayne Turner joined BGS in 2017 as a Shift Porter, mainly working alongside Phil Brand. Wayne’s affable, approachable manner ensured that he quickly made friends throughout BGS. His punctuality, professionalism and positive approach to any task – together with his ‘can do’ attitude – ensured he was a good ambassador for the team whenever he was on shift.

Wayne passed his driving test while at BGS, was justifiably proud of his lime green VW Transporter, was unmistakably Bristolian, and had a great sense of humour. He will definitely be missed, and we wish him all the best in his new rôle as a caretaker at Knowle Multi Academy Trust.

p Ben Tavener

Lisa was responsible for the numerous tasks that helped to keep the Department running smoothly. She enjoyed being part of the Sport and PE team, and being an assistant in some Infant and Junior lessons also. She was the co ordinator for equestrian competitions and athletic events, and always made sure her main responsibilities – such as ensuring transport bookings, refreshment bookings and ’bus rotas – were completed to the best of her ability.

She became a very close friend to many in the Department, and will be missed as she joins St Katherine’s School as PA to their Headmaster. We wish her well in this new, exciting rôle, and for the future.

p Rhys Williams

ELLA HOUSE

Ella House joined the Facilities team as Office Administrator in 2018 and quickly settled into the rôle. Her professional attitude and focused approach to any task ensured that Ella quickly got to grips with the varied and complex requirements of the rôle. Developing strong working relationships within the BGS community, as well as throughout our extended team of approved sub contractors, requires an ability to multitask constantly while remaining calm, a skillset that Ella was able to demonstrate admirably during her time with us. Ella loved all food except Marmite, disliked hot drinks and was unhealthily obsessed with Christmas. We wish her all the best in her new rôle as PA to a company director.

p Ben Tavener

PAULA PEREZ

Paula joined BGS in September 2017 to take up the post of Spanish Assistant. She worked primarily with our Sixth form and Year 11 students, helping them prepare for their public speaking tests; she also supported our younger bilingual pupils.

Paula’s warm and encouraging manner endeared her to all her students; her extra support played a key part in their speaking test preparation. In the Sixth Form, in particular, her students appreciated her wealth of knowledge about Hispanic culture: her lessons always included the most up to‑date developments in the topic area being studied.

She helped students experience a smooth transition to Sixth form Spanish by carefully planning activities that gradually introduced them to the more complex language required at this level. When supporting Year 11 pupils, Paula designed engaging and original activities, ensuring that pupils developed confidence in their ability to communicate in the target language.

The Spanish Department will miss Paula’s kind and cheery disposition: she was always willing to help and support us with all Year groups. It has been a genuine pleasure to work with such a positive and flexible colleague. We wish Paula every happiness as she continues her postgraduate studies in Spain, and thank her for all she contributed to BGS.

p Anna Macro

LORNA FERGUSON

Lorna arrived at BGS Infants’ in 2020, wearing a pink jumpsuit, and with personality to match. Her rôle was as a Teaching Assistant, yet she went far beyond her job description in many ways. During Lockdown Round 2 Lorna was tasked with reading a story, recording it and uploading it so the children could watch it from their homes. She did far more than that: she would act out the story, often recruiting other teachers from her bubble to play parts in it, using classroom items as props and painting elaborate backgrounds so the children would see much more than a few pages in a book. One of the most famous of these was when Lorna used a sleeping bag to dress up as the Very Hungry Caterpillar, and munched around fifteen different types of food in a time frame of around four minutes. They included Marmite and a trifle. The children were at the heart of everything Lorna did, and as a result she established exceptional relationships with them and their parents. She wore clothes from an interesting wardrobe, and this did raise a few eyebrows in the School; yet it’s important to note that every garment she wore was for the children. Her philosophy on wacky clothing was that it made her a little less formal, and therefore more approachable to young children. Amen! Lorna brought so much to the Infants’ School, for both the children and staff. She was energetic, enthusiastic and always wore a solid smile. To the children she was entertaining, creative and kind. When she left it was a sad day for children and staff, yet where BGS lost an outrageously incredible individual, Bristol Zoo gained an outrageously incredible individual. Thanks for the impact you made, Lorna!

p Simon Preddy

REBECCA HARRIS

Being interviewed in May 2020 over ‘Teams’ – and therefore conducting interview lessons with classes you can see only on screen –might seem daunting; as with pretty much everything in her subsequent rôles at BGS, however, Rebecca Harris took it in her stride. Before her appointment at BGS she had taught online in a school in India, and tutored many North Bristol students, who had heard she was close to being a guarantor of exam success!

We have been very fortunate to have Rebecca in our Philosophy, Religion and Ethics Department, and History, the last two years. She has a real passion for helping pupils achieve their best confidently in any kind of assessment, with smiles on their faces.

Rebecca’s pupils were full of praise for her lessons and made a point of thanking her in their Footprints reflections, noting how her empathy with their challenges in learning made her lessons a fun filled, memorable experience! Rebecca is incredibly perceptive of pupils’ needs: in her brief time as an academic mentor, she made a great deal of difference to the pupils in her care … and to others whose friends had told them how helpful Ms Harris could be! Rebecca was always willing to try new ways to engage students in PRE; and when I suggested her classes enter a national competition, she set about creating project work to involve them all. Splendidly one of her teams was commended in the 2021 International Young Philosopher Awards. We shall miss Rebecca’s superhuman efficiency in the PRE Department, and her kindness looking out for us in the Martin’s and Barton’s Humanities outpost.

She moves on to establish a PRE department at Clifton High and – as with Redland Green and BGS in the past – they will doubtless benefit from the Rebecca Harris touch of educational magic.

p Richard Smith

IZAAK JAMES

Izaak James joined BGS in September 2020, and settling easily into our Maths Department despite the Covid measures’ obliging him to begin his career wearing a mask! His passion for mathematics is evident, and he has certainly embraced all aspects of his teaching, relishing the opportunity to develop his own inimitable and well received style. Indeed he has inspired us all by sharing his love of art with his pupils, offering a different piece for consideration at the beginning of every Maths lesson. It was no surprise that two of his classes presented him with amazing books containing grateful messages, alongside a relevant piece of art: these will be much treasured. All pupils have greatly appreciated his enthusiasm and individual support, both as a teacher and as a much‑respected Form Tutor, bringing empathy and compassion to all the challenges they were facing; he has left his mark on many young lives during his two years at BGS.

Izaak is a very positive team member and we have greatly valued his contributions to our Departmental work. He thinks deeply about all aspects of education and, alongside his teaching, has been making excellent progress on his Masters in Education, again highlighting his reflective nature. The Maths Department has benefited from his research, as has the School in his contribution to our ongoing work on diversifying the curriculum.

Outside the classroom Izaak has engaged wholeheartedly in the BGS community; this has been particularly evident on the basketball court where he has been a committed player, ‘shaking and baking’ with the best of them!

It has been a joy to see Izaak thrive in the profession; we thank him for the energy and enthusiasm he brought to BGS. Our loss is certainly Kingsdale Foundation’s gain, and we wish him every success on this new adventure.

p Sue Poole

SARAH HARDMAN

Sarah joined us from working abroad and made an instant impact with her high energy and enthusiastic approach to life at BGS. She was an instant hit with any team she worked with; they not only got top level coaching, but also felt at home in her care.

Sarah also made a huge impact to the pastoral life of pupils at BGS. Through testing times at the school, she was consistently someone who pupils came to see to chat through problems and find happiness in their day to day life. This was something that came naturally to Sarah, and she was brilliant at it.

Sarah coached hockey, netball, football and cricket teams at BGS and ensured pupils developed a lifelong love of sport and physical activity, no matter what level they performed at. Her energy in the classroom was infectious too, ensuring pupils began their journey of academic PE positively. This was evident in the number of her class who continued with GCSE PE into Year 10. Sarah also ran some staff tennis and was a regular at school social events, where she will be missed massively by all the friends she made whilst she was here.

Sarah departs BGS to join Christ College Brecon, as Head of Girls’ Games. We wish her every success in the next step in her career.

p Tom Lacey

LUISA BUENO

Lu started at BGS in September 2021 as our part time Admissions Officer, having previously worked at another local school where she was responsible for overseas admissions. The Admissions and Marketing personnel had not changed in a decade, but – although a little apprehensive to be joining such an established team –Lu quickly became part of the furniture.

September is one of the busiest recruitment periods for the School, yet Lu hit the ground running, using her previous experience to look at the processes in place and make them her own. Each challenge Lu faced was met with a positive outlook and she could clearly articulate what needed to be done to support her.

The number of new pupils joining this year’s Sixth Form is testament to Lu’s empathy, and the genuine care she has for every family. Thoughtful in her approach, Lu worked with each family to offer a bespoke and tailored service depending on their needs and requirements, no matter where they were in their admissions cycle.

Lu’s kind heart and supportive nature extends to her colleagues: she’s always mindful and considerate about what’s going on in their professional and personal lives, often providing words of support.

Lu is spending the next couple of months as a lady of leisure, which will give her the time to travel, see friends and family, return to Brazil to see loved ones, and go on walks with her beloved British Bulldog, Reggie.

Although only a colleague for a short period of time, Lu has left a positive mark on the team and the School, and we shall all miss her. We wish her good luck for the future, hoping she will enjoy what’s coming next, and not forget to stay in touch.

p Hollie Matthews

FLO PETTIT

Flo Pettit joined BGS as a teacher of French in September 2021, to cover the maternity leave of Elizabeth Bullock. Coming into a new school, teaching new courses and adapting to working in a new team is always a challenge, one to which Flo rose with huge calm and professionalism.

She was responsible for teaching classes in Years 7 and 8, Lower sixth ‘A’ level, and also, for the first time, Ab Initio IB. At all levels, the students benefited from her positive and empathic manner, and they clearly enjoyed her lessons and her calm yet assertive approach. She always found opportunities to incorporate a variety of learning activities into lessons, and had excellent subject knowledge, having lived in both Paris and Madagascar.

Flo built strong relationships beyond the Department through the Climbing activity, one of her many outdoor passions. We thank her for all that she has done at BGS, and wish her the very best for her future career, wherever that may take her.

p Liz Corrigan

JOHN WYATT

John joined us as Chemistry Technician in September 2021, his first day being unusual as half the technicianing team were on Covid testing duties. He soon settled in, however, and with both qualifications and experience to back him up he lost no time in putting his mark on his room, and updating us all on some health and safety issues.

His skillset did not go unnoticed, and no sooner had we got used to him than he was snapped up by the government to work for the Civil Service fraud squad, leaving us at the end of the Winter term.

We thank him for all his hard work, and wish him all the best in his new post.

p Amanda Dutch

IN MEMORIAM MANDY MEREDITH

We were deeply saddened by the death of Mandy Meredith in October 2021. Mandy had worked in the catering team at BGS for over twenty years, and was a much loved member of our community. At the Sixth Form Centre’s JCR café, or up at the Pople Pavilion, she brightened the lives of pupils, staff, parents and OBs.

Following Mandy’s death members of the BGS community were invited to contribute thoughts and memories to a book of condolence, and many did so: stories of her warmth, good humour, and kindness demonstrated clearly why Mandy was so well loved, and will be so greatly missed by all. Here are just a few of the messages received; there were many, many more.

‘She was amazing. When my son started in the first-ever Infant class, parents could have breakfast with the children. I would turn up, stressed, trying to find a parking-space and half asleep. She and her colleague Kim Brice were always smiling and chatty. As my daughter and son passed through the School and left, it was clear Mandy and Kim weren’t just serving food, they had a love for the pupils at BGS, and the children felt the same about them. I am so sorry to learn about Mandy, but her kindness made an impact on so many.’

— Former BGS parent

‘I joined BGS in the Sixth Form. Mandy couldn’t have made me feel any more welcome than she did. I felt so truly comfortable around her, and at a time when I had feelings of fear surrounding the unknown that come with moving schools, I was, and still am, so thankful for how she eased my worries, just by being there. I think people with such a natural ability are rare, but Mandy was certainly one of them.’

— Old Bristolian

‘Even though I saw Mandy only to spend money I didn’t have, on sausage rolls I didn’t need, it honestly was a highlight of my day. Mandy would always ask how I was, or how my day was going, and offer one of the warmest smiles of anyone at BGS: and when you’ve had a bad day that tiny moment would really put you in a better mood. Mandy will be greatly missed and Bristol Grammar School has lost a genuinely kind-hearted human.’

Old Bristolian

‘I remember Mandy so fondly … particularly from my time in the Sixth Form when she was in the JCR – always so warm and kind to us all. I returned years later as a member of staff in the Infants’ School and I was so pleased when I found out she still worked there, and I was able to chat to her during my Breakfast Club duty. She was just how I remembered her all those years ago, and she instantly remembered me. I think this speaks volumes about how invested she was in the students and how kind-natured she was. She was much more than a member of staff or colleague to a lot of people … I feel very lucky to have known her in two different stages of my life.’

— Former pupil and staff member

‘Mandy and Kim really made my Sixth-form experience a lot brighter, with their character and banter. Mandy continued to send me birthday wishes every year since I left the School, taking the mickey and making me smile every time. Mandy, you will be missed.’

— Old Bristolian

Justin Harford, Head of Sixth Form, summed up the feelings of many in the BGS community:

‘Mandy was dearly loved by so many of us, including thousands of OBs who have fond memories of her serving them in the JCR of the Sixth Form Centre. We shall certainly all feel her loss for a long time to come, but we count ourselves very lucky to have shared our time at BGS with such a special individual.’

OLD BRISTOLIANS

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Launching the 500 Campaign, changing lives through bursaries at BGS

Our mission is to provide an exceptional and rounded education for those who might benefit from it, regardless of their background and financial means.

This year, we launched the ‘500 Campaign’, our drive to widen access to BGS through bursaries. We intend to raise £12m so that at least one in four students can benefit from a 50% philanthropically funded bursary. We plan to achieve this ambitious target by 2032, the five hundredth anniversary of the School Charter.

To raise awareness of the new campaign, we held our first ‘Giving Day’ in April. This was an online fundraising promotion with updates on social media and video content, featuring our students and staff. Engagement was wonderful: thousands of shares, likes and views of our videos and messages of support. After a phenomenal 36 hours of fun,

challenges and online giving – and thanks to the generosity of donors who helped us with matched funding – we raised over £190,000 from 250 people, including parents, OBs from around the world and over 130 donors giving for the first time.

A total of £1,015,000 has now been raised from Old Bristolians, charitable trusts, parents and friends of the School including an incredible £250,000 donation from the son of an OB who was at BGS during the Second World War. All donations will be used to support means tested bursaries which benefit everyone at BGS and we are incredibly grateful to all who support what we’re doing, share our message and get involved. Our aim is to build this momentum and encourage more donors, supporting our need to change lives through bursaries at BGS. This is just the start.

Engaging our community

We work in partnership with the Old Bristolian Society to create professional and social networking opportunities including online mentoring, careers advice and reunions and gatherings including the Annual Dinner, which this year was hosted in style in the Great Hall and welcomed over two hundred OBs, parents and friends after a two year hiatus! We encourage some of our most experienced and talented alumni to come back to talk to our Sixth form students as part of the long‑established Sixth Form Lecture series; we also invite our parents to do the same. To find out more about our work, to volunteer as a speaker or mentor, or to attend a future event, we’d love to hear from you! Please contact us: <community@bgs.bristol.sch.uk> .

p Nadine Latte

TEACHING STAFF 2021–2022

Susan Poole (1985)

Head of Mathematics

Ann Dixon (1989)

Junior School Teacher

Paul Roberts (1990)

Senior Deputy Head;

Teacher of Mathematics

Kevin Blackburn (1991)

Teacher of PE and Games

Graham Clark (1997)

Assistant Head: Curriculum; Teacher of Mathematics

Oliver Edwards (1997)

Head of Blue House; Teacher of History

Rachel Atkins (1998)

Teacher of Geography; Head of EPQ

Robert Massey (1998)

Director of Scholars; Teacher of History

Phill Thomas (1998)

Teacher of Design and Technology

Colin Wadey (1998)

Teacher of Philosophy, Religion and Ethics

Nigel Harris (1999)

Junior School Teacher

Graham Iwi (1999)

Teacher of Mathematics

Rachel John (1999)

Teacher of PE and Games

Andrew Keen (1999)

Teacher of Classics

Fran Ripley (1999)

Deputy Head: Pupils;

Teacher of PE and Games

Roy Jones (2000)

Teacher of Computer Science

Elizabeth Corrigan (2001)

Head of French

Anna Macro (2001)

Head of Spanish

Richard Smith (2001)

Head of Philosophy, Religion and Ethics

Sara Bassett (2002)

Teacher of History

Sarah Cooper (2002)

Teacher of Art

Laila Dilley (2002)

Head of Psychology

Matt Hilliard (2003)

Head of the Green House; Teacher of Design and Technology

Raj Cullen (2003)

Teacher of Biology

David Mair (2003)

Teacher of English

Ben Scott (2003)

Head of the Black House; Teacher of PE and Games

Kay Surry (2003)

Teacher of Biology

Oliver Chambers (2004)

Assistant Head: CPD and Compliance; Teacher of Mathematics

Victoria Dixon (2004)

Teacher of PE and Games

Justin Harford (2004)

Assistant Head: Director of Sixth Form; Teacher of Biology

Claudia Hoelzer (2004)

Teacher of German, French and Spanish

Jon Stone (2004)

Head of Chemistry

David Briggs (2005)

Head of Creative Writing; Teacher of English

Aruna Gunawardana (2005)

Assistant Head: Wellbeing; Teacher of Philosophy, Religion and Ethics

Lisa-Jane Knights (2005)

Teacher of Design and Technology

Eva Yemenakis (2005)

Teacher of English

Brie Barnacle (2006)

Teacher of Art

Jennifer Benn (2006)

Learning Support Teacher

Claire Kent (2006)

Deputy Head of Sixth Form; Teacher of French and Russian

Stephanie Lelarge (2006)

Junior School Teacher

Aylin Hutchings (2007)

Teacher of Chemistry

Daniel Stone (2007)

Deputy Head: Academic; Teacher of Chemistry

Jooles Whitehead (2007)

Teacher of English

Louise Glenn (2008)

Head of the Red House; Teacher of Physics

Alexander Goodland (2008)

Head of Biology

Alexandra Smith (2008)

Higher Education and Careers Advisor;

Teacher of History

Richard Jervis (2009)

Teacher of Physics

Craig Speers (2009)

Junior School Teacher

Daniel Watkins (2009)

Head of Classics

Jennie-Lee Plaisted-Smith (2009)

Junior School Teacher

Lucie Edwards (2010)

Infant PPA cover

Lucy Bendall (2010)

Junior School Teacher

Amy Finney (2010)

Teacher of Computing

Kate Hughes (2010)

Infant School Teacher

Veryan Rookes (2010)

Deputy Head I & J: Teaching and Learning

Helen Rowlands (2010)

Teacher of Chemistry

Ciara Whitehead (2010)

Infant and Junior School Teacher

Jennifer Walker (2010)

Director of Drama

Emma Goodman (2011)

Junior School Teacher

John Carr (2011)

Teacher of Mathematics

Paula Lobo (2011)

Teacher of History

Andrew Nalty (2011)

Teacher of Chemistry; Head of Activities

Lois Ray (2011)

Teacher of Classics, French and Spanish;

Head of Activities

Andrew Thackray (2011)

Teacher of Mathematics

Steve Carruthers (2012)

Teacher of Physics

Alison Denny (2012)

Learning Support Teacher

Elizabeth Rees (2012)

Head of Academic Music

Andrew Bolton (2012)

Teacher of Biology and Chemistry

Lisa Hancock (2012)

Teacher of Mathematics

Richard Hawkins (2012)

Head of Russian

Gavin King (2012)

Teacher of Classics

Hester Klimach (2012)

Teacher of Mathematics

Ariana Niamir (2012)

Head of the Yellow House; Teacher of Mathematics

Jennifer Penny (2012)

Junior School Teacher

Jo Penny (2012)

Junior School Teacher

Ben Schober (2012)

Deputy Head: Operations and Planning; IB Co ordinator; Teacher of Biology

Elizabeth Bullock (2012)

Teacher of French and Spanish

Kitty White (2012)

Director of Dance

Louis McKenzie (2012)

Teacher of Drama

Kate Conway (2013)

Infant School Teacher

Emma Cox (2013)

Teacher of Classics

Astrid Pestell (2013)

Teacher of French and German

Andrew Short (2013)

Head of the Brown House; Teacher of Geography

Lynne Bolton (2014)

Head of Food and Nutrition

Sarah Biggin (2014)

Head of Economics and Business Studies

Ellice Clare (2014)

Teacher of History

Benjamin Fellows (2014)

Year 9 Academic Tutor;

Teacher of Mathematics

Stewart Harper (2014)

Head of Physics

Kelly Murphy (2014)

Director of Outdoor Education

Jane Troup (2014)

Head of Art and Textiles

Martha Cottam (2014)

Head of Year 7;

Teacher of French and Spanish

Jamie Corsi (2015)

Teacher of PE and Games

Tom Lacey (2015)

Head of PE and Games

Sophie Dale (2015)

Infant School Teacher

Alex Manley (2015)

Junior School Teacher

Charles Morris (2015)

Teacher of Music

Melanie Palmer (2015)

Junior School Teacher

Becca Smyth (2015)

Infant School Teacher

Sophie Thomas (2015)

Teacher of English

Katherine Brimming (2016)

Head of Geography

Tom Carpenter (2016)

Teacher of Chemistry

Joanna Carter (2016)

Teacher of Mathematics

Rory Hambly (2016)

Head of History

Jason Macro (2016)

Teacher of Chemistry and Physics

Sophie Bale (2016)

Teacher of English

David Ruck (2017)

Head of Higher Education and Careers

Thomas Biddle (2017)

Teacher of English

Katherine Fide (2017)

Teacher of Drama and LAMDA

Christopher Bramley (2017)

Teacher of Science

Lindsay Joslin (2017)

Teacher of PE and Games

Adam Manley (2017)

Junior School Teacher

Sam Mitchell (2017)

Teacher of Mathematics

Simon Preddy (2017)

Infant School Teacher

Jon Rees (2017)

Teacher of Music

Jack Williams (2017)

Teacher of Philosophy, Religion and Ethics

Jaideep Barot (2018)

Headmaster; Teacher of Physics

Emily Barr (2018)

Teacher of Biology

Lillian McLeod (2018)

Teacher of Psychology

Antonio Moraca (2018)

Teacher of Classics

Niall Morris (2018)

Teacher of Economics and Business Studies

Timothy Murray (2018)

Teacher of Physics

Natalie Parratt (2018)

Teacher of Spanish and French

Lara Allison (2018)

Infant School Teacher

Sian Scott-Wilson (2018)

Junior School Teacher

Laura Self (2018)

Teacher of Psychology

Nicola Smythe (2018)

LAMDA Teacher

Rhys Williams (2018)

Director of Sport

Tamsin Yates (2018)

Teacher of Geography

Emily Field (2019)

Teacher of Dance

Laura Ash (2019)

Head of German

Katharine Bovey (2019)

Teacher of Biology

Peter Forster (2019)

Head of English

Jasmine Hainsworth (2019)

Teacher of PE and Games

Sophia Herbst (2019)

Teacher of Art

Edward Hofman (2019)

Teacher of English

Heidi Hughes (2019)

Head, BGS Infants and Juniors

Corinne Kempt (2019)

Head of Learning Support

Megan Schofield (2019)

Teacher of Geography

Judith Shimell (2019)

Infant and Junior School Supply Teacher

Madeline Stow (2019)

Head of Computer Science

Josie Rixon (2019)

Teacher of PE and Games

Ross Fuller (2019)

Teacher of Computer Science

Sebastien Bernaert (2020)

Teacher of Modern Languages

Natasha Backett (2020)

Junior School Teacher

Laura Crosse (2020)

Teacher of Economics and Business Studies

Rebecca Davies (2020)

Deputy Head: Co curriculum and Partnerships; Teacher of History

Will Clark (2020)

Teacher of Geography

Ann Webb (2020)

Teacher of Chemistry

David Mountford (2020)

Teacher of Mathematics

Rebecca Blazewicz (2020)

Teacher of Mathematics

Toby Brown (2020)

Teacher of Physics

Michael Gill (2020)

Teacher of Art

Luke Evans (2020)

Teacher of English

Rebecca Harris (2020)

Teacher of PRE

Izaak James (2020)

Teacher of Mathematics

Lucy Hargreave (2021)

Infant and Junior Learning Support Coordinator

Simeon Arnold (2021)

Head of Design and Technology

Angelika Cowell (2021)

Teacher of History

Victoria Drew (2021)

Deputy Head I & J: Staff Leadership, Operations and Outreach

Polly Farrer (2021)

Junior School Teacher

Guy Guerrini (2021)

Director of Music

Sarah Hardman (2021)

Teacher of PE and Games

Florence Petit (2021)

Teacher of French

Rachel Rodd (2021)

Junior School Teacher

Kate Shearer (2021)

Infant School Teacher

Adam Burns (2021)

Head of History and Politics

Chris Pursall (2022)

Teacher of Economics and Business Studies

SUPPORT STAFF 2021–2022

Roland Clare (1976)

Copy editor, The Chronicle

Peter Jakobek (1982)

Alumni Relations Manager

Anne Bradley (1994)

Archivist

Andrew Dimberline (1996)

Educational Visits Coordinator

Sarah Orchard (1997)

Fees Manager

Rachel Hall (1999)

ICT Systems Manager

Nicola Smith (2001)

PA to Deputy Head and Curriculum Secretary

Brian Tomes (2001)

Maintenance Porter

Abigail Sawkins (2002)

Communications Officer

Joanne Abrams (2003)

Receptionist

Ivy Fackayan (2004)

Common Room Secretary

Julie Pike (2005)

PA to Heads of Department

Sean Takle (2005)

Porter

Andy Blackett (2006)

Sports Hall Supervisor

Steve Rich (2006)

Porter

Tony O’Callaghan (2006)

Foundation Assistant

Aman Khera (2006)

Accounts Assistant

Clare Melton (2006)

Admissions Officer (Senior School)

Peter Currie (2006)

ICT Support Technician

Jane Hicks (2006)

PA to Director of Sixth Form

Ian Stone (2007)

Physics Technician

Caroline Stone (2007)

Junior School Teaching Assistant

Derek Rosling (2008)

Maintenance Porter

Thomas Matthews (2008)

Assistant Facilities Manager (Operations)

Paul Abrams (2008)

Porter

Benedict Tavener (2008)

Facilities Manager

Catherine Davies (2008)

PA to Headmaster

Richard Thompson (2008)

Pavilion Manager

Nicola Brand (2008)

Admissions Officer (Senior School)

Hollie Matthews (2009)

Admissions and Marketing Manager

Matthew Nice (2009) Director of ICT

Emily Smith (2009)

Payroll Administrator

Amanda Dutch (2010)

Biology Technician

Cher Bailey (2010)

Catering Supervisor

Kim Brice (2010)

JCR Catering Supervisor

Zoe Claydon (2010)

Chef Failand

Carole Gould (2010)

Chef Failand

Hollie McCarthy (2010)

Catering Assistant

Lesley McCarthy (2010)

Chef Failand

Mandy Meredith (2010)

JCR Catering Assistant

Brenda Michalis (2010)

Catering Assistant

Lucille Osafo (2010)

Senior Librarian

Michele Milton (2011)

Catering Manager

Siu Chan (2011)

Catering Assistant

Psyche Pepworth (2011)

Head Chef

Carol Godden (2011)

Library Assistant

Niki Gibbs (2012)

Counsellor

Abi Murray (2012)

Art Technician

Gerry Mitchell (2012)

Bursar

Dave Osgood (2012)

Assistant Catering Manager

Catherine Ball (2012)

Admissions Officer (Infant and Junior School)

Svetlana Parmenter (2012)

Russian Language Assistant

Phil Brand (2013)

Porter

Shelagh Akbulut (2013)

Biology Technician

Camilla Granville (2013)

Head of HR

Stephen Habgood (2013)

Workshop Supervisor

Emma Nattress (2013)

Junior School Teaching Assistant

Vicky Sale (2013)

Performing Arts Administrator

Ashley Arnel (2014)

Head Groundsperson

Lucy Lloyd-Smith (2014)

PA to Head of BGS Infants & Juniors

Bianca Falbo (2014)

Catering Assistant

Nicola Prince (2014)

Infant and Junior School Assistant

Joanna MacAulay (2014)

Maintenance Porter

Matthew Avery (2014)

Audio Visual Manager

Joanna Shurety (2014)

Infant School Teaching Assistant

Ashley Thomas (2014)

Technology Technician

Julie Elliott (2014)

Catering Assistant

Claire Watts (2014)

Lunchtime Student Supervisor

Catherine Elliott (2014)

Catering Assistant

Lewis Webber (2015) Porter

Gavin Griffiths (2015)

ICT Technician

Palm Drake (2015)

Catering Assistant

Rose Moscrop (2015)

HR Administrator

Ev Milker (2015)

German Language Assistant

Katy Irwin (2016)

Catering Assistant

James Ormiston (2016)

Chemistry Technician

Greg Allen (2016)

Sous Chef

Alton Williams (2016)

Staff IT Trainer and Virtual Learning

Platform Assistant

Sophie Johns (2016)

Library Assistant

Carol Wagland (2016)

Failand Catering Assistant

Maria Suarez (2016)

Catering Assistant

Andy Lawrence (2017)

Maintenance Porter (Grounds)

Victoria Hick (2017)

Infant Teaching Assistant

Ruth Colling (2017)

Financial Controller

Rachel Isaacs (2017)

Assistant PAC Manager

Wayne Turner (2017) Porter

Ruth Bennett (2017)

Reprographics Technician

Chris Ashcroft (2017)

Sports Facilities Lettings Manager

Ailsa Buckman (2017)

Infant Teaching Assistant

Lisa Crompton (2017)

Sport and PE Departmental Administrator

Kathy Stonham (2017)

Exams Officer

Rosemarie Brown (2017)

Student Lunch and After School Supervisor

Joanna Cheek (2017)

Failand Catering Assistant

Paula Perez (2017)

Spanish Language Assistant

Kevan Johnson-Hall (2018)

Attendance Administrator

Sarah Baker (2018)

Deputy Exams Officer

Ella House (2018)

Facilities Office Administrator

Portia Bourton-Clark (2018)

STEM Co ordinator; Physics Technician

Sally Forster (2018)

Food and Nutrition Technician

Frances King (2018)

School Counsellor

Julie Rosling (2018)

Infant Teaching Assistant

Janev Stark (2018)

Infant Teaching Assistant

Gillian Cowen (2018)

Performing Arts Administrator

Jo Harper (2018)

Lettings Manager

Romana Stirling (2018)

Catering Assistant

Widellany Rodrigues (2018)

Catering Assistant

Ana de Souza (2018)

Catering Assistant

Janett Anicama de la Cruz (2018)

Catering Assistant

Chantelle Floyd (2018)

Catering Assistant

Anna Iacono (2018)

School Nurse

Helen Tylee (2018)

Pastoral Assistant

Kristy Stanniland (2018)

School Administrator

Carrie Rosser (2020)

Archivist Assistant

Carmen Anicama de la Cruz (2019)

Catering Assistant

Josefina Guaita Bens (2019)

Catering Assistant

Michael Johnson (2019)

Chemistry Technician

Ruby Martin (2019)

Catering Assistant

Tania Oliveira (2019)

Catering Assistant

Jasmine Potter (2019)

Art Technician

Liliya Sadek (2019)

Lunchtime and Afterschool Supervisor

Liz Shopland (2019)

Catering Assistant

Radta Thakwang (2019)

Catering Assistant

Caitlin Spencer (2019)

Alumni Events and Communications Officer

Peter Tyler (2019)

Performing Arts Technician

Lionel Franklin (2020)

Deputy Head Groundsperson

Debbie Hemmins (2020)

School Nurse

Lorna Ferguson (2020)

Infant Teaching Assistant

Nadine Latte (2021)

Director of Development

Bernadette Forge (2021)

Assistant Groundsperson

Luisa Bueno de Lima (2021)

Admissions Officer

Jimmy Cliftlands (2021)

ICT Apprentice

Silvia Garcia (2021)

Catering Assistant

Samantha Graham (2021)

Failand Food Service Assistant

Amy Kennedy (2021)

Infant Teaching Assistant

Georgina Poole (2021)

Textbook and Stationary Administrator and Library Assistant

Sarah Serpe (2021)

French Language Assistant

Kevin Sharpe (2021)

Assistant Groundsperson

Mandy Valerio (2021)

1532 Front of House Manager

John Wyatt (2021)

Chemistry Technician

Roxanna Cruzeta (2021)

Catering Assistant

Shankar Gurung (2021)

Catering Assistant

Kerry Barot (2021)

I&J Learing Support Assistant (English)

Jemma Edwards (2021)

1532 Centre Manager

Monique Perez (2021)

School Counsellor

Ella Hawkins (2021)

Admissions and Marketing Assistant

Elvis Webster (2021)

Admissions and Marketing Assistant

Issy Winfield (2021)

Infant and Junior Assistant

Angus Bell (2021)

Performing Arts Assistant

Dheeran Canagarajah (2021)

Sports Assistant

India Monllor Domenech (2021)

Sports Assistant

Suzannah Frost (2021)

Catering Department Administrator

Amy Tout (2021)

Director of Marketing,

Admissions and Communications

Sue Bray (2021)

Infant Teaching Assistant

Sarah Beshay (2021)

Infant Teaching Assistant

Linda Rogers (2022)

PE and Games Departmental Administrator

Lorena Aller-Gonzalez (2022)

Spanish Language Assistant

Belnice Helena Nzinga (2022)

Admissions and Marketing Assistant

Lyndsay Tucker (2022)

Infant and Junior School Head’s Assistant

Alex Regan (2022)

Infant and Junior Assistant

Fion Ho (2022)

I&J Learning Support Assistant (Maths)

Sophie Bambridge (2022)

Infant Teaching Assistant

Sejal Pandya (2022)

Junior Teaching Assistant

Luena Holliday (2022)

Admissions Officer (Senior School)

Louise Osgood (2022)

Food Service Assistant (Failand)

Kate Pring (2022)

Chemistry Technician

Dates show when members of staff came to BGS